Emi Shielding Coating Material Using Graphene

Abstract

This thesis explores into the evaluation of Graphene ink as an Electromagnetic Interference shielding (EMIS) material, with a primary focus on its efficiency across several concentrations and thicknesses when applied to six different 3D printed substrates: Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG), Nylon and Carbon Fiber (ONYX), Polycarbonate (PC), Nylon (PA12), and Acrylonitrile Styrene Acylate (ASA). The concentrations investigated involved 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 g/L, offering a comprehensive examination analysis of the material's shielding effectiveness. A critical aspect of this study involved the optimization of the solvent used, transitioning from Alcohol to Ethanol, with concentrations of 20, 30, 40 g/L investigated under this improved solvent condition. The research revealed that the most favorable results were achieved when applying 20 g/L of Graphene ink with Ethanol as the solvent on ONYX substrate, yielding a noteworthy maximum shielding effectiveness of 74 dB. Beyond the shielding effectiveness valuations, the study combined material characterization techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, fourprobe conductivity test, and microscopic imaging. A comprehensive understanding of the material's structural and morphological properties was achieved by conducting this exhaustive characterization on coatings at concentrations of 20, 30, and 40 g/L. The outcomes of this research not only contribute insights into the peak conditions for Graphene ink as an effective EMIS material but also offer an understanding of its structural characteristics. These findings hold significant implications for the advancement of electronic devices by paving the way for the development of more efficient and robust EMIS technologies.

Date of Award	1 May 2024
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Al Hajri (Supervisor)