Superhydrophobic and Durable Silver-Coated Fabrics for Efficient Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

Abstract

Superhydrophobic surfaces present promising potential for improving the mechanical and chemical durability of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials. However, integrating superhydrophobicity and EMI shielding is still a challenge due to the complex structural design. Herein, superhydrophobic and highly durable fabrics with excellent EMI shielding effectiveness were fabricated. First, the meta-aramid nonwoven fabrics were functionalized by a polydopamine layer. Then, with the assistance of the metal-binding ability of polydopamine, silver nanoparticles were immobilized on the fiber surface by electroless plating. Finally, after the introduction of fluorine-containing agents via a facile dipping method, a superhydrophobic surface was successfully obtained. The as-prepared fabrics showed excellent EMI shielding effectiveness of 111 dB due to superior electrical conductivity (234 S/cm). Moreover, thanks to the low surface energy of fluorine-containing molecules as well as the micro-nanoroughness created by the stacking of silver nanoparticles, the composite fabrics exhibited a large water contact angle of 152° and a low sliding angle of 5°. It was noted that the composite fabrics still maintain superhydrophobicity and high EMI shielding effectiveness (110 dB) even after the acid and alkali corrosion, bending, abrading, and salt fog test, respectively, demonstrating their durability under harsh environments.

Preparation of AntiSalt Spray Conductive Silver-Plated Carbon Fiber via Tannic Acid/Metal Ion Complex Inhibitors for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

“…By surface coating the hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane, researchers have successfully improved the corrosion resistance of the shielding materials. 26,27 However, due to the thickness of the hydrophobic layer, this method is mainly applied to the surface protection of larger materials (e.g., fabrics, plates, blocks, etc.) rather than fillers.…”

“…Schiff bases , can also be used to form an inhibition layer on metal surfaces due to their strong coordination, which will enhance the corrosion resistance of the metals. By surface coating the hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane, researchers have successfully improved the corrosion resistance of the shielding materials. , However, due to the thickness of the hydrophobic layer, this method is mainly applied to the surface protection of larger materials (e.g., fabrics, plates, blocks, etc.) rather than fillers.…”