Multi‐walled carbon nanotube grafted 3D spacer multi‐scale composites for electromagnetic interference shielding

Abstract

The development of structural fiber reinforced polymer composites with various additional functionalities is becoming a hot research area to achieve the application of multi‐functional composites in the aerospace and automotive industries. An innovative material solution is 3D spacer composites with distinctive anisotropic structural characteristics. Herein, we report the manufacturing of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) grafted of 3D spacer glass/epoxy multi‐scale composites and their electromagnetic interference shielding efficiencies (EMSE). To manufacture multi‐scale composites, we utilized dip coating, vacuum filtering, and vacuum infusion methods to introduce MWCNTs of the woven fabric, while we also modified the epoxy resin with MWCNTs to increase electrical conductivity of intrinsic insulator epoxy resin. Owing to the rectangular‐shaped channel structure, which is beneficial for multiple reflection and scattering between top and bottom face sheets, the resultant 3D spacer multi‐scale composite represented a good EMSE performance of −18.3 dB in the frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz with an increase of 107% comparing the corresponding neat composite counterpart. Moreover, we measured the in‐plane conductivity as 1.89E‐2 S/m after MWCNTs grafting, while the out‐of‐plane conductivity remained three times lower than the in‐plane conductivity. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the storage modulus increased almost three times with the MWCNTs grafting, while glass transition temperature shifted to higher temperatures (from 77.5 to 89.7°C). Therefore, we anticipate that our study will expand the use of 3D spacer composites in the aviation and automotive industries.

A comparative study on nanoparticle network‐dependent electrical conductivity, electromagnetic wave shielding effectiveness and rheological properties in multiwall carbon nanotubes filled polymer nanocomposites

“…EMW shielding based on polymer/MWCNT nanocomposites is one of the promising options on EMW attenuation. [56][57][58][59][60] Further, the materials with excellent electrical conductivity generally have outstanding EMW shielding effectiveness (SE). [61][62][63][64] Figure 4A, B depicts the variation of EMW SE (SE T ) with changing MWCNT loadings for the MWCNT/PCL nanocomposites and MWCNT/iPP nanocomposites at X-band.…”

Enhanced impact resistance of three‐dimensional woven composites with double‐layer core structure

“…[12][13][14] In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) woven spacer composites with structural integrity and lightweight, robust, and anti-delamination properties have attracted extensive attention. [15][16][17][18] The upper and lower layers of 3DWSC are firmly interweaved together by the vertical pile yarns to form an integrated structure, [19,20] which can effectively prevent the separation of the core and the skin layers. Wang et al [21] compared the compressive property of 3D integral woven spacer composites with different numbers of the interlaced pile yarns.…”

Eco-friendly and multifunctional aluminum flake/carbon fiber/cellulose composite papers with electromagnetic interference shielding

“…1,2,3 Electromagnetic radiation presents a significant danger to all life forms and can disrupt the functioning of delicate electronic components. 4 The act of blocking EMI, known as EMI shielding, is achieved by intercepting the radiation field through the use of conductive or magnetic barriers. The electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency (EMSE) determines the extent to which a material impedes the transmission of electromagnetic radiation at a given frequency.…”