Synchronously improved electromagnetic interference shielding and thermal conductivity for epoxy nanocomposites by constructing 3D copper nanowires/thermally annealed graphene aerogel framework
Abstract 3D copper nanowires thermally annealed graphene aerogel (CuNWs TAGA) framework is firstly prepared by freeze drying followed by thermal annealing from CuNWs, graphene oxide (GO) and L ascorbic acid. Epoxy resin is then poured back into the above 3D CuNWs TAGA framework to fabricate the CuNWs TAGA/epoxy nanocomposites. CuNWs with average diameter of about 120 nm and length of approximate 10 mm are successfully prepared. When the mass fraction of CuNWs TAGA is 7.2 wt% (6.0 1.2 wt% CuNWs TAGA) the thermal conductivity coefficient (l) value of the CuNWs TAGA/epoxy nanocomposites reaches the maximum of 0.51 W/mK. Meantime, the CuNWs TAGA/epoxy nanocomposites exhibit the maximum electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) value of 47 dB and electrical conductivity (s) of 120.8 S/m, ascribed to perfect 3D CuNWs TAGA conductive network structures. Meanwhile, the corresponding elasticity modulus, hardness, glass transition temperature (Tg) and heat resistance index (THRI) of the CuNWs TAGA/epoxy nanocomposites increase to 4.69 GPa, 0.33 GPa, 126.3 degC and 181.7 degC, respectively.