Functional Composite Materials (Apr 2024)

Enhancing electrical characteristics and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness in thermoplastic elastomeric polymer blends by utilizing the selective distribution of conductive black

  • Sreeja Nath Choudhury,
  • Jasomati Nayak,
  • Palash Das,
  • Aparajita Pal,
  • Ankur Katheria,
  • Pallab Banerji,
  • Narayan Ch. Das

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s42252-024-00053-7
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 1
pp. 1 – 14

Abstract

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Abstract The selective distribution of filler within polymer blends presents a compelling advantage, notably manifesting as a reduced percolation threshold when compared to an individual polymer matrix with a random filler dispersion. In this context, a thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) blend comprising ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), denoted as EL, has been meticulously formulated. The incorporation of varying amounts of conductive carbon black (Vulcan XC 72; VCB) into this TPE matrix has been achieved through conventional melt blending, yielding a composite material with exceptional electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of -27.80 dB at 50 phr (parts per hundred rubber). This success is credited to the creation of a linked structure resulting from a dual-step percolation process. The selective distribution of carbon black (CB) throughout the TPE mixture results in a decreased critical concentration for connectivity and enhanced electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance. This advancement underscores the potential of EPDM-LLDPE-VCB (ELV) composites to safeguard against electromagnetic radiation. It paves the way for their utilization in various techno-commercial applications, where a balance of mechanical strength, thermal stability, and flexibility is crucial. Graphical Abstract

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