Superior electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness and low percolation threshold through the preferential distribution of carbon black in the highly flexible polymer blend composites

Carbon black distribution in different phases of blends affects the percolation threshold and electrical properties and electromagnetic interferences (EMIs) shielding effectiveness to a great extent. We addressed the challenge of developing a light weight and highly flexible superior EMI shielding material by combining ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) and ethylene octane copolymer (EOC) with conductive carbon black. The selective distribution of filler particle in the EMA phase facilitates the way for double percolation phenomenon which signifies higher electrical conductivity properties. This percolated filler network development is revealed from the field emission scanning electron microscopy and TEM analysis. This newly developed conductive blend demonstrates superior EMI shielding efficiency of −31.4 dB together with promising mechanical and thermal properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1404–1418, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers