Possible Application of Ternary Polyaniline-Graphene-Montmorillonite Nanocomposite for Electromagnetic Pollution Shielding

In this research, a possible application of two different nanocomposites for ElectroMagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding was studied. Polyaniline-graphene (PANI-GR) and polyaniline-graphene-montmorillonite (PANI-GR-MMT) were synthesized and compared. MMT was used to reinforce the PANI-GR nanocomposite matrix. The structural analysis was performed by the use of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, the performance of the synthesized nanocomposite in reflection and absorption efficiency of electromagnetic interference waves was determined. SEM and FESEM images showed an intercalation polymerization process occurring between the nano-clay layers, which causes a homogenous dissipation into the polymer matrix. Obtained results from the ThermoGravimetric Analyzer (TGA) showed that the stability of PANI-GR-MMT was better compared to PANI and PANI-GR. In addition, the EMI shielding effectiveness of PANI-GR-MMT nanocomposite reached an apex compared to pure PANI and PANI-GR nanocomposites due to creating a solid and integrated nanocomposite texture by adding montmorillonite nanoclay during in situ polymerization process. It can be explained that MMT caused a homogenous dispersion, larger surface area, higher aspect ratio, and higher effective conductivity in the ternary nanocomposite matrix in comparison with PANI-GR. MMT also acted as a potential agent to reflect the incident EM waves in nanocomposite texture. Consequently, it increased the adsorption and reflection coefficients of the PANI-GR-MMT nanocomposite. As a result, PANI-GR-MMT could be a possible candidate for environmental applications.