Graphite Reinforced Polyvinylidene Fluoride Composites an Efficient and Sustainable Solution for Electromagnetic Pollution

Abstract

Graphite flakes reinforced polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composites were prepared and investigated the influence of DC (Direct Current), AC (Alternating Current) conductivity, sample thickness as well as presence of conductive layer on its electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effect. The graphite incorporated PVDF composite with sample thickness of 1 mm exhibit good shielding properties of about 55–57 dB in the frequency range of 8.2–18 GHz for highest filler loading. These composites exhibit absorption as the primary mechanism for EMI shielding. Addition of graphite decreases the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and improved the mechanical properties. The EMI shielding effect improved with increase in sample thickness and by incorporating a conductive layer to the graphite flake composite. The graphite flake based composites are found to be lightweight, thin and good EMI shielding materials that can be tuned to wide range of shielding applications.