All-in-one integrated flexible PE@PET/MXene films for high-performance electromagnetic shields with self-reinforced conductivity and mechanical properties

MXene-based composites are deemed as promising electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding candidates to address the rapidly increasing electromagnetic interference and radiation concerns. However, developing high-performance flexible polymer-MXene composites with excellent EMI shielding efficiency (EMI SE), good mechanical properties and superior serving stability is a significant challenge. Herein, a type of all-in-one designed lightweight, thin, ultra-flexible PE@PET/MXene films are developed using a novel PE@PET nonwoven fabric (NWF) as the supporter. A mussel-inspired polydopamine modification facilitates the uniform loading of MXene, achieving high electrical conductivity of the resultant PE@PET/MXene films. A simple hot-pressing process is then employed to melt the sheath PE component of PE@PET to serve as a "self-glue" in adhering and wrapping the loaded MXene nanosheets, while maintaining the core PET fibers as the internal "steel" skeleton. As such, the resultant PE@PET/MXene films exhibit multiple self-enhancement metrics involving high mechanical strength, good electrical conductivity, robust serving stability, and superior EMI shielding performance. An optimized PE@PET/MXene film can preserve an excellent EMI SE of 50.44 dB and an ultra-high absolute shielding effectiveness (SSE/t) of 10606 dB cm2 g−1. The versatility of PE@PET/MXene EMI shielding films is further indicated by integrating the flame-retardant additives to endow its flame-retardant function, demonstrating excellent versability and expandability.