Tailored distribution of 1D nanoparticles in co-continuous EMA/TPO flexible polymeric blends used as emerging materials for suppressing electromagnetic radiation

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is unwanted noise or interference that often affects electronic equipment and human health. An effective EMI shielding material is needed to protect electronic equipment and human health to block EMI signals. In this work, we have developed electrically conductive polymer composites via the preferential localization of MWCNTs in a co-continuous ethylene-co-methyl acrylate (EMA)/thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) (80/20 w/w) binary blend system using a solution mixing technique. The electrical percolation threshold was achieved by incorporating 3 to 5 wt% of MWCNT in the blend matrix. FESEM and TEM images indicated a co-continuous morphology in which MWCNT was thermodynamically and kinetically driven into the EMA phase of the polymer blend. The DC and AC conductivity of the fabricated composite was significantly increased upon loading the MWCNT in the polymer composite. A total EMI shielding effectiveness of −35 dB was achieved by adding 15 wt% MWCNT into the matrix in the frequency range of 14.5–20.0 GHz, along with good thermal conductivity, dielectric properties, and mechanical properties. •EMA/TPO/MWCNT nanocomposite is fabricated through solution mixing technique.•Preferential filler distribution reduces the percolation threshold of DC conductivity.•Thermal conductivity with low MWCNT loading reveals the double percolation phenomena.•Polymer nanocomposite shows excellent EMI shielding properties at lower filler loading.•Nanocomposite shows −35 dB EMI shielding at 15 wt% MWCNT filler incorporation.