MXene networks based flame retardant polymer composites

Nowadays, highly flexible, ultrathin, and conductive polymer composites are exceptionally desirable for electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI) applications. While the traditional nanocomposites blending remains the mainstream method and results in poor electrical conductivity. Herein, we introduce a facile and practical methodology involving the fabrication of self-interlocked PVA and MXene networks to construct a conductive PVA/MXene membrane. The tensile strength of this membrane is about three times higher than the control PVA. Additionally, the membrane demonstrates outstanding fire-resistant performances with an 80% reduction of peak heat release rate than pure PVA. More importantly, this unique membrane with random conductive networks possesses an outstanding EMI shielding efficiency near 41 dB much greater than traditional composite, which meets the requirement of high-efficiency EMI shielding applications. This article displays a novel strategy to fabricate a nanostructured polymer membrane with outstanding fire resistance, electrical conductivity, and mechanical strength, targeted and designed for high-efficiency EMI shielding applications.