Asymmetric layered structural design with metal microtube conductive network for absorption-dominated electromagnetic interference shielding

• Published in: Colloids and surfaces. A, Physicochemical and engineering aspects Vol. 643; p. 128781
• Main Authors: Zhang, Xin, Tang, Jianbin, Zhong, Yun, Feng, Yujia, Wei, Xinpeng, Li, Mengyao, Wang, Jian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 20.06.2022
• Subjects: Aramid fibers; Asymmetric structure; Conductive polymer composites; Electromagnetic interference shielding; Low reflection; Aramid fibers; Electromagnetic interference shielding; Low reflection; Conductive polymer composites; Asymmetric structure
• ISSN: 0927-7757; 1873-4359
• DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.128781

Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) with high conductivity components designed based on impedance mismatch strategy have high electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) yet cause serious secondary pollution due to their strong reflection. A well-designed double-layer fiber-based waterborne polyurethane (WPU) composite with electro-magnetic asymmetric distribution for EMI shielding with absorption-dominant is realized. When the electromagnetic waves (EMWs) enter the AF@Ni/Cu/Fe3O4/WPU composite through gaps of the nonwoven fabric, incoming microwaves will undergo a special ‘absorption-reflection-reabsorption’ process between the metal microtubules, and the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of the composite reaches 55.8 dB in X-band, which indicates approximately 99.9997% of EWMs are attenuated in the propagation process. Herein, absorption (SEA, 50.1 dB) contributes 89.8% to the total SE and the lowest power coefficient of reflection (R) reaches 0.62. This work expands the application field of high-performance aramid fibers, and provides a reliable strategy to reduce secondary electromagnetic radiation pollution. [Display omitted] •Chemical deposition helps to obtain excellent electrical conductivity for non-metallic materials.•Metal-clad fibers form special metal microtubes with enhanced multiple reflections.•Asymmetric AF@Ni/Cu/Fe3O4/WPU composites possess an excellent EMI SE of 55.8 dB and the lowest reflection of 0.62.