Tailoring Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Composites With Nickel and Silver for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

ABSTRACT The present study reports on the development of electromagnetic radiation protective Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)–Nickel (Ni)–Silver (Ag) composite materials. UHMWPE powder surfaces were coated with Ni and following this process, nickel‐coated powders were electroplated with silver by the electroless plating method. Ni‐ and Ag‐coated and silver nanoparticles (NanoAg) added UHMWPE composites were manufactured by the hot pressing method at 180°C for 15 min. To X‐ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses, the dominant phases are UHMWPE, Ni, and Ag. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis was carried out on the fractured surface of composites in order to determine the distribution of Ni, Ag, and NanoAg in the matrix. Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness (EMI SE) values of the electroless Ni‐coated UHMWPE, electroless Ag‐coated UHMWPE, and NanoAg doped UHMWPE composite materials are determined around 60 dB (decibel), 55, and 50 dB respectively. A comparison of the results obtained for the X‐ and Ku‐bands revealed the influence of Ag and NanoAg incorporation on the EMI shielding performance of Ni‐coated UHMWPE composites.