Enhanced electrical and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of uniformly dispersed carbon nanotubes filled composite films via solvent-free process using ring-opening polymerization of cyclic butylene terephthalate. (9th January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jang, Ji-un; Cha, Ji Eun; Lee, Seung Hwan; Kim, Jaewoo; Yang, Beomjoo; Kim, Seong Yun; Kim, Seong Hun
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 186(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01-09
• Subjects: Cyclic butylene terephthalate -- Composite -- Carbon nanotube; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2019.122030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: In order to develop a nanocomposite film based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as an electromagnetic wave shielding material, we propose a solvent-free melting process for fabricating highly dispersed MWCNT-filled polymer composite films with high electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI)-shielding properties. By observing aggregates (particles larger than 0.7 μm) using X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), the uniform dispersion of the MWCNT fillers in the composite films was confirmed. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity and EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) values calculated using percolation and Simon's equations, respectively, were confirmed to agree with experimental data, indicating excellent MWCNT dispersion. The fabricated composites exhibited excellent electrical conductivity, EMI SE, and EMI specific SE (SSE) values of 4.33 S/cm, 30 dB, and of 24.8 dBcm 3 g −1, respectively, and the EMI SSE value was as good as metal levels. The proposed solvent-free process can be contributed to the commercialization of EMI SE composite films based on MWCNTs. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Based on in situ polymerization of CBT, one-step solvent-free fabrication for highly conductive composite film was proposed. MWCNTs were uniformly dispersed in the composite films by the suggested process. Enhanced electrical conductivity of the composite films was achieved by the suggested process. Excellent EMI SE property of the composite films was expressed by the enhanced electrical conductivity.