A study on flexible bio-based conductive foam for pressure sensing and electromagnetic interference applications

Day by day gadgets are taking an irreplaceable role in our life. Humans are now depending on electronic gadgets. This increased usage and utility of these electronic gadgets increased the radiation; hence, it is important to research materials for better absorption of these radiations. In this research work, we are developing an electromagnetic interference shielding material. We used polyurethane foam (PU foam), an insulating material that has been filled with nanofillers Polyaniline (PANi), Zinc Oxide (ZnO), and MWCNT. The PU foam used was castor oil-based instead of going with petroleum-based. This work aims to achieve a potential material for electromagnetic interference shielding and sensing material that should be bio-degradable at a low price. The samples were fabricated using the taguchi method in the design of the experiment. This helps to reduce time consumption and provides more accurate results. Once the samples were fabricated, it was subjected to morphological study SEM and EDAX. EMI and conductivity were also carried out. The EMI experiment was done using setup model N5230A PNA-L. The conductivity test is done. GRA relational statistics was utilized to find the interrelation between the two output responses in the taguchi. The experiment concludes that the samples synthesized with 2 wt% of PANi, 300 rpm mixing rotation, and 10 min. Sonication time, provide the best conductivity of 900 S m⁻¹ and EMI SE of 34.38 dB. The best result for conductivity is for sample 8. The maximum conductivity value is 900 S m⁻¹. The lightweight flexible conductive foams can be used in the application of biosensors.