High-Performance Thermoplastic Composites for Electromagnetic Shielding Applications

Abstract

Abstract With the increasing complexity of electromagnetic environments, the demand for shielding materials in extreme service is rapidly expanding, and high-performance thermoplastic polymers have emerged as promising candidates owing to their various outstanding performances. However, achieving effective electromagnetic shielding and multifunctional integration relies on the construction of conductive networks in polymer, optimization of filler–matrix interfaces, and rational structural design. These difficulties are further exacerbated in high-performance thermoplastic polymers due to their intrinsic physicochemical characteristics, posing significant challenges to realizing the desired functionalities. Herein, we review recent advances in high-performance thermoplastic electromagnetic shielding materials, discuss the present challenges, and outline future directions. First, we introduce the fundamental shielding mechanisms and energy conversion, followed by a discussion of matrix selection and composition strategies for electromagnetic shielding. Subsequently, composition strategies for combining fillers and matrices are discussed, with emphasis on typical structures to highlight the critical roles of conductive network construction and interfacial regulation in electromagnetic wave attenuation. Additionally, the environmental stability and multifunctional integration of these materials are presented. Finally, future perspectives for the development of high-performance thermoplastic electromagnetic shielding materials are discussed.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 2026 · DOI ↗