Experiment and simulation of flexible CNT/SA/PDMS electromagnetic shielding composite

Flexible electromagnetic shielding composites have a great potential for wide range applications. In this study, two flexible composites were produced by plating Ni nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or infiltrating carbon nanofibers/polydimethylsiloxane (CNF/PDMS) polymer into CNT/sodium alginate (CNT/SA) sponge skeleton (CNT/SA/CNF/PDMS composites). The composites are tested under the X band in the frequency range of 8.2 - 12.4 GHz, the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI-SE) values of the above two composites are almost as twice as that of CNT/SA/PDMS composite at a same CNT loading. Introducing nano-sized Ni particles on CNT improved the microwave absorption capacity of the composite, while adding CNF on the PDMS matrix enhanced the conductivity of these composites. Under 10% strain, both flexible composites show stable conductivity. Simulation and calculation results shown that increasing the cladding rate of Ni nanoparticles on the surface of CNT, reducing the average size of Ni particles, and increasing the loading of CNF in PDMS matrix can significantly improve conductivity and then EMI performance of the materials. All of these could benefit for the design of flexible electromagnetic shielding composites.