The development of high power electromagnetic wave sources in the modern era has the ability to interfere with aircraft electronics and cause localized heating – necessitating advanced materials for electromagnetic interference (EMI) and thermal shielding. Multifunctional nanoparticles dispersed within polymer matrices can combat these issues; however, the best way to combine thermally and electrically conductive species to maximize EMI and thermal shielding is undetermined. Multifunctional layered epoxide/amine nanocomposites were prepared from tetra- and octa-functional epoxide monomers (TGDDM, SU-8), tetra-functional diamine (4,4-DDS), and 1 wt. % hexagonal boron nitride nanoplatelets or 1 wt% graphene nanoplatelets. Multilayer, vitrified nanocomposite laminates were prepared and characterized to quantify particle dispersion, layer orientation/integrity, rheological properties, and thermomechanical properties via optical/scanning electron microscopy, FTMS rotational rheometry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis. Monomer conversion throughout various cure profiles was quantified using FT-IR spectroscopy. The data collected indicated that discrete layers were maintained throughout thermoset curing, with no hindrances in the rheology or thermomechanical properties of the matrix, suggesting a new methodology for preparing layered multifunctional EMI/thermal shielding materials.

Layered epoxide-amine/boron nitride/graphene nanocomposites for efficient multifunctional shielding

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.