Robust CoFe2O4@Carbon Nanotube/Polydimethylsiloxane Foams with Low Thermal Conductivity for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

Multifunctional polymer-based electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding foams are attracting considerable attention owing to their ability to mitigate increasing electromagnetic-wave pollution. However, developing robust foams with excellent EMI shielding capabilities and superior thermal insulation properties remains challenging. Herein, CoFe2O4@carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane/expandable polymer microsphere (CFO@CPE) foams were successfully prepared using a combination procedure involving solution mixing, freeze-drying, and hot-press molding. The synergistic effect of the porous structure and segregated magnetic/conductive network enabled the CFO@CPE foam to exhibit a shielding effectiveness of 48.85 dB and a low thermal conductivity of 0.106 W/(m center dot K). In addition, the impact and compressive strengths of the obtained foams reached 3.78 kJ/m(2) and 8.17 MPa, respectively. These features support the application of the resultant foam as an EMI shielding material in complex practical situations.