Flexible MXene/EPDM rubber with excellent thermal conductivity and electromagnetic interference performance

In this study, a rubber composite was prepared based on two-dimensional (2D) material (MXene) and ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM). The MXene was efficiently prepared by etching Ti3AlC2 powder with LiF-HCl solution and subsequent vacuum drying, and the dispersion of MXene in EPDM was improved by optimizing the grinding process, ultrasonic stripping and stirring method. In the process of exploring the electrical conductivity of this material system, the composite exhibits low percolation threshold of 2.7 wt%, a high conductivity of 106 Sm−1 and superior thermal conductivity of 1.57 W/m K at the MXene content of 6 wt%. In addition, MXene (6 wt%)/EPDM with 0.3-mm thick exhibits an EMI shielding performances (SE) up to 48 dB in the X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz) and 52 dB in the Ku-band (12.4–18 GHz) (SE) which are much better than the electromagnetic shielding properties of other rubber blends, and these properties indicate MXene/EPDM composite has great potential for versatile applications.