Nanocellulose-based conductive composites: A review of systems for electromagnetic interference shielding applications

Electronic systems and telecommunications have grown in popularity, leading to increasing electromagnetic (EM) radiation pollution. Environmental protection from EM radiation demands the use of environmentally friendly products. The design of EM interference (EMI) shielding materials using resources like nanocellulose (NC) is gaining traction. Cellulose, owing to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and excellent mechanical and thermal properties, has attracted significant interest for developing EMI shielding materials. Recent advancements in cellulose-based EMI shielding materials, particularly modified cellulosic composites, are highlighted in this study. By incorporating metallic coatings compounded with conductive fillers and modified with inherently conductive elements, conductivity and effectiveness of EMI shielding can be significantly improved. This review discusses the introduction of EMI shields, cellulose, and NC, assessing environmentally friendly EMI shield options and diverse NC-based composite EMI shields considering their low reflectivity. The study offers new insights into designing advanced NC-based conductive composites for EMI shielding applications.