Effect of titanate coupling agent on electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness and mechanical properties of PC–ABS–NCF composite

Abstract

AbstractNickel‐coated carbon fibers (NCF) treated with a coupling agent (CA) have been used for preparing composites of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile—butadiene—styrene (ABS) (90/10%) by melt blending. These composites have been evaluated for electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE), mechanical properties, dispersion, and adhesion of the polymer to a filler using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). There is an improvement in the EMI SE, tensile strength, and impact strength of the composite when the carbon fiber is coupled with titanate CA. In loading NCF in composite, the optimum concentration of the CA Lica 38 used is about 2.0 phf combined with 1.5 phf calcium stearate (Ca.st.) (on the weight percentage of fillers); the composite can reach an SE of 50 dB by the coaxial transmission line test method.