Polypyrrole one-dimensional nanostructures (nanotubes, nanobelts and nanofibers) were prepared using three various dyes (Methyl Orange, Methylene Blue and Eriochrome Black T). Their high electrical conductivity (from 17.1 to 60.9 S cm-1), good thermal stability (in the range from 25 to 150 °C) and resistivity against ageing (half-time of electrical conductivity around 80 days and better) were used in preparation of lightweight and flexible composites with silicone for electromagnetic interference shielding in the C-band region (5.85-8.2 GHz). The nanostructures' morphology and chemical structure were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface measurement and attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. DC electrical conductivity was measured using the Van der Pauw method. Complex permittivity and AC electrical conductivity of respective silicone composites were calculated from the measured scattering parameters. The relationships between structure, electrical properties and shielding efficiency were studied. It was found that 2 mm-thick silicone composites of polypyrrole nanotubes and nanobelts shield almost 80% of incident radiation in the C-band at very low loading of conductive filler in the silicone (5% w/w). Resulting lightweight and flexible polypyrrole composites exhibit promising properties for shielding of electromagnetic interference in sensitive biological and electronic systems.

• Keywords
• 1D nanostructures, conducting polymers, electromagnetic shielding, microwave region, thermal stability,
• MeSH
• Azo Compounds chemistry   MeSH
• Electromagnetic Radiation * MeSH
• Methylene Blue chemistry   MeSH
• Microscopy, Electron, Scanning MeSH
• Nanostructures chemistry   radiation effects   ultrastructure   MeSH
• Nanotubes chemistry   radiation effects   ultrastructure   MeSH
• Nanofibers chemistry   radiation effects   MeSH
• Polymers chemistry   radiation effects   MeSH
• Pyrroles chemistry   radiation effects   MeSH
• Silicones chemistry   radiation effects   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Azo Compounds MeSH
• Eriochrome Black T MeSH Browser
• methyl orange MeSH Browser
• Methylene Blue MeSH
• Polymers MeSH
• polypyrrole MeSH Browser
• Pyrroles MeSH
• Silicones MeSH