In this article

an idea of using multiple conductive networks to improve the conductivity and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of the organic silicon rubber composite is described. The composite with multiple conductive networks was fabricated by combining electroless silver plating foam and low conductive fillers with the organic silicon rubber. Scan electron microscope is applied to observing the microstructure of the composites. Resistance tester

vector network analyzer

and thermo-gravimetric analyzer are respectively used for the characterization of the conductivity

EMI SE

and thermal stability of the composite. The effect of the fortifier nano SiO

2

on these properties is also discussed. The results show that the resistivity of the multiple composite system 2wt% carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/conductive foam (F)/silicone rubber (SR) decreases 6 orders of magnitude compared to the one-part composite system 2wt% CNTs/SR. The average EMI SE

which has increased from 12dB to 52dB

is 4 times than that of the system 2wt% CNTs/SR. When the filler replaces with carbon black (CB)

the resistivity of the multiple composite system 2wt% CB/ F/SR is 7 orders of magnitude lower than that of the one-part composite system 2% CB/SR. The average EMI SE

which has increased from 10dB to 50dB

is 5 times higher than that of the system 2% CB/SR. The conductivity and the EMI SE are significantly enhanced due to the multiple conductive networks. In addition

the thermal stability of each composite system is improved at the presence of the fortifier

but the conductivity and EMI SE has decreased.