Combination effect of carbon nanofiber and ketjen carbon black hybrid nanofillers on mechanical, electrical, and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of chlorinated polyethylene nanocomposites

Conductive hybrid nanofillers have become front facet of the recent research interest because of the scientific and techno-commercial significance of these materials. Herein, we report the fabrication of chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) nanocomposites filled with hybrid nanofiller of functionalized carbon nanofiber (FCNF) and nano-structured ketjen carbon black (K-CB) by using solution blending approach. Incorporation of hybrid nanofiller in CPE matrix led to a drastic enhancement in thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. Proper distribution of hybrid nanofiller leads excellent electrical conductivity of 2.2 × 10⁻² S/cm and superior electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance (33 dB) at 15 wt% hybrid nanofiller content in X-band frequency. Further, we addressed the serviceable performance in electrical conductivities and shileding performances after exposed to thermal-air ageing treatment. The novelty of this present work lies in the unique synergism arising from the combination of two nanofillers, which serves as outstanding EMI shield material as a capable candidate against EM pollutions.