Flexible, thin films of graphene-polymer composites for EMI shielding

Liquid-phase-exfoliated, pristine graphene nanosheets (GNSs) are dispersed in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to obtain free-standing conducting composite films. The composites are tested for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications in the X-band (8-12 GHz). A constant increase in the electromagnetic attenuation is observed as a function of GNS loading (0-0.12 V-f). The EMI shielding effectiveness of about 1 dB for the neat polymer is enhanced to about 14 dB at 0.12 V-f GNS as the electromagnetic energy is dissipated due to the GNS conducting network formed inside. Conducting behavior of GNS-TPU composites is confirmed by electrical conductivity measurements along with cyclic voltammetry as the band gap is reduced with a graphene increment. Scanning electron microscopy predicts a homogeneous dispersion of GNS inside composites. For such thin composite films (0.03-0.05 mm), the EMI shielding effectiveness is considerable.