Effect of different photoinitiators on the properties of UV-cured electromagnetic shielding composites

A series of UV-cured electromagnetic shielding composites (UV-EMSC) containing different content of graphene oxide (GO) were prepared with oligomer, acrylate active diluents and different photoinitiators (Darocur 1173, Irgacure 184 or Irgacure 651). To fabricate conductive oligomer with low resistivity, polyurethane-acrylate (PUA) was used as the polymer matrix to help construct two-dimensional conductive networks consisting of GO. For forming conductive network structure, the surface functional groups (-OH, -COOH) of GO served as slightly conductive particles bonded with -NCO from the chain of polyurethane. The UV-EMSC exhibited a low resistivity of approximately 402 Omega.cm and an outstanding enhanced electrical conductivity of 249 mS/m at a GO content of 0.0200%. The effects of different photoinitiators on the properties of UV-cured films were investigated. The results indicate that the prepared UV-EMSC has great potential applications in different regions, such as in coatings of electronic, electrical, communications, plastic coatings and wood finishes.