Flexible and lightweight PPyNT/EPDM foam for efficient electromagnetic waves absorption in X‐band

• Published in: Polymer engineering and science Vol. 65; no. 7; pp. 3704 - 3714
• Main Authors: Zhu, Xinyu, Yuan, Wei, Wen, Xiangtong, Li, Jinze, Sui, Jing, Zhuang, Tao, Sun, Chong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.07.2025; Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Absorption; cell structure; Cellular structure; Conduction losses; Density; Electric waves; Electromagnetic radiation; electromagnetic wave absorption; Electromagnetic waves; Electromagnetism; Foams; Impedance matching; polypyrrole nanotube; Polypyrroles; Propylene; Rubber; Synergistic effect; Thickness; China
• DOI: 10.1002/pen.27243
• ISSN: 0032-3888

Flexible and lightweight polypyrrole nanotubes/ethylene propylene diene monomer (PPyNT/EPDM) rubber foams with excellent electromagnetic waves (EMW) absorption performance in the X‐band were prepared via a simple chemical foaming method. By adjusting the content of PPyNT, the cellular structure, density, and EMW absorption properties of the PPyNT/EPDM foams can be precisely tailored. The synergistic effect of the cellular structure and an optimal PPyNT content (15 phr) endows the PPyNT/EPDM foam with an excellent impedance matching and a high attenuation capacity, in turn resulting in excellent EMW absorption performance in the X‐band, demonstrated by the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −27.01 dB at a thickness of 2.3 mm and the maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 3.4 GHz at a thickness of 2.6 mm. Furthermore, this foam composite exhibits excellent lightweight characteristics with a density of only 0.795 g/cm3. Hence, this research presents a promising approach for the commercial development of flexible, lightweight, cost‐effective, and highly efficient EMW absorption materials. Highlights Lightweight PPyNT/EPDM foam for X‐band EMW absorption. Tailored porous structure and absorption performance by PPyNT content. Foam with 15 phr PPyNT achieves RLmin of −27.01 dB and EAB of 3.4 GHz. Synergy of impedance matching, conduction loss, and multiple reflection. The 15 phr PPyNT/EPDM foam achieves impedance matching through its porous structure, synergistically integrating multiple reflection, conduction loss, and interfacial polarization mechanisms to realize excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance.