Unique correlation between electrical, structural properties and electromagnetic shielding properties of carbon nanotube sheets

Abstract Correlation between electrical, structural properties and electromagnetic shielding efficiency (EMI SE) of carbon nanotube sheets (CNTSs) was investigated. Solvent densification of CNTSs led to enhancements of carbon nanotube (CNT) bundling behavior and densification in the thickness direction while maintaining the areal density of the CNTSs. These structural modifications resulted in enhanced electrical properties and reduced sheet thickness by modifying the microstructure and bundling characteristics. Remarkably, contrary to conventional EMI shielding materials, the sheet resistance which reflects bundling behavior and microstructure of CNTSs, is the critical factor affecting the EMI SE of the CNTSs rather than electrical conductivity. The findings provide fundamental insights essential for the design of EMI shielding films incorporating CNTs.