Improved electromagnetic interference shielding performances of carbon nanotube and carbonyl iron powder (CNT@CIP)-embedded polymeric composites

Abstract

This study proposes a novel method of fabricating nanohybrid particles composed of carbon nanotubes and carbonyl iron powder (CNT@CIP), which are then embedded in a polymer for use as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. First, a method of fabricating CNT@CIP nanohybrid particles is introduced, and their formation is verified using characterization tools such as zeta potential analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Then, the CNT@CIP nanohybrid particles are incorporated into a polymeric matrix. The electrical conductivity and EMI shielding capability of the resulting composites are systematically investigated. According to the experimental results, it can be found that the electrical conductivity and EMI shielding effectiveness increase with increasing of CNT@CIP nanohybrid particles contents. In addition, they are improved by the alignment of the CNT@CIP hybrid particles caused by the magnetization curing, reducing the amount of electrically conductive fillers required. Consequently, utilization of CNT@CIP nanohybrid particles and magnetization curing can greatly improve the electrical conductivity and EMI shielding capability, showing their potential as EMI shielding composites in various practical applications.