Lightweight Polyurethane–Polythiophene–MWCNT Nanocomposite Foams With Enhanced Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Efficiency and Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Properties

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) has been recognized as a new sort of pollution and can be considered the direct interference of electromagnetic waves among electronic equipment that frequently affects their typical efficiency. Herein, nanocomposite foams based on polyurethane (PU) reinforced with polythiophene‐multiwalled carbon nanotube (PTh‐CNT) hybrids are developed. The microstructure, mechanical, and EMI shielding properties of the PU/PTh‐CNT nanocomposite foams were investigated. FTIR analysis demonstrated that the chemical structure of PU was not changed by PTh‐CNT hybrids. The PU/PTh‐CNT composite foams show good EMI shielding effectiveness (SE), which exhibits a 45% higher EMI SE compared to pure PU. The introduction of PTh‐CNT hybrids in PU foam increased tensile strength (34% improvement) and thermal stability (20°C increase) compared to pure PTh and CNT at unique content due to the effect of CNT and PTh. The developed PTh‐CNT/PU composite foams are promising candidates for use in aerospace, automotive, or telecommunication applications.