Polymer-based
nanocomposite foams containing carbonic fillers have
greatly facilitated scientific research efforts in electromagnetic
interference (EMI) shielding, as well as piezoresistive sensing devices.
The carbon-based fillers not only provide superior EMI shielding properties
and extraordinary gauge factor but also offer critical advantages
of electromagnetic wave absorption and supreme pressure sensitivity.
Currently, electromagnetic signal interference has become a severe
challenge for which wireless communication is responsible. Furthermore,
considering the rapid development of the flexible electronics industry,
demands for piezoresistive sensors comprising a wide range of responses
and increased sensitivity are considerably increased. The present
work reviews recent developments and breakthroughs in polymer foam
composites primarily concentrating on various high-performance carbonic
nanomaterials, including graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon
black, and their hybrid fillers. Moreover, demands for further improvement
in case of technical issues, compatibility, or synergic effect of
type of nanofiller on the polymer host, as well as the influence on
microstructure and electrical properties of foam materials, have been
elucidated in the review. To be more specific, the effect of carbonic
filler size and shape, as well as its electric, microstructure, and
mechanical properties, in fabricating high-performance piezoresistive
and EMI shielding polymeric composite foams is covered. In addition,
cutting-edge developments in carbonic polymer nanocomposite foams
in EMI shielding and piezoresistive sensor applications are highlighted.
To be specific, available methods for tailoring appropriate microstructure
and electrical and mechanical properties in EMI shielding materials
and pressure sensors, current technological challenges in fabricating
and developing nanocomposite foams for such mentioned applications,
and future perspectives are discussed.
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