Thermoplastic Polyurethane Graphene Nanocomposites for EMI Shielding

Abstract

Interference and chaos among the various electromagnetic signals are becoming the primary challenge of the current era that relies on wireless communication. Electromagnetic pollution is the overabundance of electromagnetic radiation emitted by electronic devices, like cell phones, cordless phones, Wi-Fi routers, or Bluetooth-enabled equipment, and our relationship with these devices has become more and more intimate. The potential effects of electromagnetic pollution, both in terms of its interaction with electronic devices as well as biological species, are serious concerns for the research community. EMI shielding reduces electromagnetic interference among the electronic components. Therefore, protection from such harmful radiations must be acquired by either blocking or shielding these unavoidable severe electromagnetic radiations. Metals have been typically used as the material of choice for shielding applications, but heavy weight, corrosion susceptibility, and cumbersome processing methods make them unsuitable for both researchers and users. Alternatively, polymer nanocomposites have gained tremendous attention as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials owing to their facile synthesis, ease of processing, and low cost. Different thermoplastic and thermoset polymer matrices have been explored for the development of lightweight composite material for EMI shielding applications. Among the thermoplastic polymers, thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) have attracted a great deal of recognition due to their combination of properties, such as flexibility, stretchability, transparency, good wear and weather resistance, better abrasion and chemical resistance, and better mechanical properties. Although graphene and carbon nanotubes have been explored as conducting fillers in polyurethane matrix for the development of EMI shields, no reports are available using a combination of these fillers along with magnetic nanoparticles in thermoplastic polyurethane matrix.