Carbon nanotube–reinforced polymer composite for electromagnetic interference application: A review

Abstract

The growth of the application of electronic devices has created a new form of pollution known as noise or radio frequency interference, electromagnetic radiation, or electromagnetic interference (EMI), which results in the malfunction of equipment. A new carbon-based polymer composite has been unlocked through the discovery of polymer composites. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have shown potential as reinforcement fillers in polymer to enhance an EMI shielding material owing to their large specific surface area, well-defined 3D networking structure, and unique electronic structure. The main focus of this review is the role of CNT as fillers in intrinsic conducting polymer and conducting polymer composite. The factors that influence EMI shielding performance are also included in this review. The roles of the size; shape; and electronic, mechanical, and chemical properties of nanomaterials in tuning the EMI shielding effectiveness of polymer hybrid are emphasized. The structural design of CNT polymer composite has been reviewed as well. Future research direction has been proposed to overcome the current technological limitations and realize the most advanced EMI shielding materials for future use. The composites have a potential to replace traditional shielding materials owing to their advantageous properties.

Keywords

• carbon nanotube
• electromagnetic shielding materials
• electromagnetic characterization
• lightweight materials