Electromagnetic Absorption and Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Composites Based on Conductive Carbon Black and Fe3O4

Abstract

In contemporary civilization, the electromagnetic radiation from electronic devices and communication systems has become a substantial pollutant. High-performance electromagnetic absorbers have become a solution for absorbing unwanted electromagnetic waves. This research proposed a lightweight and flexible electromagnetic absorber produced from natural rubber filled with conductive carbon black (CCB) and Fe3O4. The effect of CCB, Fe3O4, and a combination of CCB and Fe3O4 as a hybrid filler on foam morpholog, electromagnetic reflectivity, tensile strength, and compression set properties were investigated. In addition, the effect of the alternating layered structure of CCB and Fe3O4 on electromagnetic absorption was investigated. The results indicated that the composite foam exhibited an interconnected network structure that enhanced the electromagnetic attenuation in the absorber. CCB increased the electromagnetic absorption of the foam, whereas Fe3O4 had less of an effect. The foam filled with the hybrid filler at the CCB/Fe3O4 ratio of 8/2 exhibited excellent electromagnetic absorption. The composite foam had a higher tensile modulus and higher strength compared to neat foam. The addition of CCB decreased the compression set; however, the compression set was improved by the incorporation of Fe3O4. Composite foams filled with hybrid filler can serve as highly efficient electromagnetic absorbing materials.

Theory, Modeling, Measurement, and Testing of Electromagnetic Absorbers: A Review

“…[ 72 ] In addition to their ability to absorb EMWs, the material's physical properties, such as its weight, density, and cost, are other essential factors that must be considered when selecting the material. [ 73 ] Likewise, to design the best material for absorbing film, it is necessary to identify suitable ε and μ values that cancel the reflected waves as explained in the theory section, and then choose the material accordingly. The design of the film should not solely rely on impedance matching or attenuation power.…”

The Electrical Conductivity, EMI Absorption Shielding Performance, Curing Process, and Mechanical Properties of Rubber Composites

“…Thus, the combination of carbon-based fillers and materials having magnetic dipoles seems to be a good way to fabricate rubber materials with good shielding efficiency and utilitarian properties [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Rubber composites exhibit good elasticity, flexibility, dimensional stability, and corrosion resistance; they are also lightweight and low cost.…”

Electromagnetic absorption shielding effectiveness and physical‐mechanical properties of rubber composites

“…The combination of ferrites with carbon-based fillers offers a great opportunity to tune permittivity and permeability to achieve appropriate impedance match. 25,[29][30][31][32][33][34] Moreover, the improvement of physical-mechanical properties can be easily achieved to the level required for practical applications. Polymer composites are characterized by their lightweight, flexibility, stability, corrosion resistance, low cost, etc.…”

“…The absorbed electromagnetic radiation is then transferred to other forms of harmless energy, i.e., to heat. Excellent impedance match between the environment and the shield and strong attenuation of the incident electromagnetic radiation plane wave are two basic criteria for effective EMI absorbing materials 25 . Following this, the impedance match is determined by the relationship between complex permeability and complex permittivity.…”

“…Thus, the combination of carbon‐based fillers with fillers having lower conductivity and higher permeability seems to be the future trend for fabrication of polymer composites with excellent absorption shielding performance as well as applicable properties. The combination of ferrites with carbon‐based fillers offers a great opportunity to tune permittivity and permeability to achieve appropriate impedance match 25,29–34 . Moreover, the improvement of physical‐mechanical properties can be easily achieved to the level required for practical applications.…”