Electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of nanoreinforced polymer composites deposited with conductive metallic thin films

The effect of using conductive metallic thin films deposited on high density polyethylene (HDPE) and styrene butadiene copolymer (SBC) in conjunction with carbon nanofiber (CNF) reinforcement of HDPE and SBC was investigated in order to improve the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of the structures. Thin films of copper, silver and aluminum were deposited by thermal evaporation onto the polymeric matrices and its composites (0–20 wt.% of CNFs). Results show a synergistic effect of the two approaches (metallic coating and CNF reinforcement) toward improving the EMI SE. The chemical composition, surface morphology, carbon nanofiber distribution, thickness and microstructure of metallic coated polymers are examined using X-Ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy.

► Metallic thin films were evaporated on carbon nanofiber reinforced polymers.
► The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the structures was evaluated.
► Thin films and carbon nanofibers synergistically improved the shielding effectiveness.