EMI shielding performance of SBR nanocomposite reinforced by multiwalled carbon nanotubes

A nanocomposite of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) was fabricated using an internal melt mixer.Systematically investigated the role of MWCNT loading on the mechanical, dielectric, electrical and Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding characteristics of developed nanocomposites.The fine dispersion of MW-CNTs in the SBR matrix was clearly observed from high-resolution transmission electron microscope images.The nanocomposites exhibited outstanding electrical, dielectric and EMI shielding behaviours (~45 dB at 20 phr of MWCNT).A high conductivity of 0.92 S/cm was attained in the nanocomposites and is attributable to the establishment of percolation networks of MWCNT in the SBR matrix.These composites displayed reasonably good mechanical properties because of the reinforcing effect of MWCNT.The economically viable and easy fabrication protocol of this nanocomposite can act as a platform for the synthesis of low-cost and highly effective composite for EMI shielding applications.