Dual-functional 3D multi-wall carbon nanotubes/graphene/silicone rubber elastomer: Thermal management and electromagnetic interference shielding

Abstract

To address overheating and electromagnetic interference of integrated electronics, the design of multi-functional materials with high out-of-plane thermal conductivity and excellent electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness is desirable. In this contribution, an anisotropy graphene/multi-walled carbon nanotubes with 3D continuous network is fabricated by KOH induced hydrothermal reaction and subsequent graphitization at 2800 °C. When the graphene oxide to multi-walled carbon nanotubes ratio is 1:3, the balance between the decline of sp2 crystallite size in horizontal direction and the enhancement of turbostratic-stacking is achieved, which facilities the phonon transfer and electron transport. The optimal thermal conductivity of composites reaches up to 1.30 W m−1 K−1 at a low loading of 2.77 wt%, which is 465% higher than that of pure silicon rubber (0.23 W m−1 K−1). Meanwhile, the composite exhibits the maximum electric conductivity and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of 42 dB in K-band. Moreover, it still retains the flexibility of matrix. This work paves the way of lightweight dual-function integrated materials.