Lightweight nanocomposites based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) and Al nanoparticles: Structural, thermal and mechanical characterization and EMI shielding capability

Novel (nano)composites based on PVDF and different content of Al nanoparticles have been prepared in order to learn about their electromagnetic interference shielding capability. Very promising results are obtained, with an excellent balance between shielding and sample weight, so that these materials are potentially good alternatives to replace neat metals for that application. Moreover, a complete structural and morphological characterization, as well as an evaluation of their thermal and mechanical behavior, has been also performed. - Graphical abstract: EMI shielding capability in lightweight nanocomposites based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) and Al nanoparticles. - Highlights: • Novel hybrids based on PVDF and different contents of Al nanoparticles have been prepared. • A complete characterization of the nanocomposites has been performed. • Interactions between PVDF matrix and Al nanoparticles are deduced from FTIR. • Attenuation of the electromagnetic radiation increases spectacularly with the Al content