Fe3O4@g-C3N4 and MWCNT embedded highly flexible polymeric hybrid composite for simultaneous thermal control and suppressing microwave radiation

Abstract

The issue of electromagnetic interference creates an intense challenge in modern civilisation due to the continuous need for electronic equipment in various industries. The current attention is centred on materials that possess characteristics such as lightweight, processability, resistance to corrosion, high flexibility, and compatibility with established technologies, in order to address this issue. The present investigation involved the fabrication of a new composite material using a solvent mixing method. The fabricated polymer composite was based on a matrix of Ethylene Methyl Acrylate (EMA) polymer and incorporated two types of fillers: Fe3O4@g-C3N4 (Fe3O4 nanoparticles decorated on g-C3N4) and MWCNTs. Fillers embedded within polymer matrices have garnered significant interest owing to their capacity to enhance the thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of the composite materials. The Fe3O4@g-C3N4 filler demonstrates a unique combination of magnetic and conductive properties, whereas MWCNTs are widely acknowledged for their exceptional electrical conductivity. The composites filled with Fe3O4@g-C3N4 (7 wt%) and MWCNT (3 wt%) exhibited a significantly enhanced electrical conductivity, quantified at a magnitude of 10−2 S/cm and a highly effective EMI SE of −43.4 dB. Additionally, the polymer composite showed a thermal conductivity value of 0.92 W.m−1. K−1.