Manufacturing and study of the properties of polymer matrix composites reinforced with magnetite and carbon black for electromagnetic shielding applications

Abstract

This work describes the production and morphological, structural, and magnetic characterization, as well as the electromagnetic shielding properties of polymeric based composites reinforced with different ratios of magnetite and carbon black. This kind of composites are used not only for the manufacture of electronic elements such as shape memory polymers, sensors and transducers, but especially for the production of electromagnetic shielding materials in both passive defense and civil construction applications; Buildings, vehicles or airplanes. The melt mixing method and vulcanization procees was followed for the manufacture of the composites.Composite materials with natural magnetite and synthetic magnetite have been considered separately. Reinforcements fillers were added in different ratios. The morphological analysis carried out by FESEM demonstrates the differences in size and shape of the fillers.Through the Raman and XPS spectroscopy the  interface matrix-fillers was studied. The magnetite content, as well as its source, directly affect the magnetic behavior of the composites. The electromagnetic shielding properties were evaluated in the X band of frequency (8-12 GHz) and K band (18-27 GHz), with attenuations greater than 34 dB for the composites with the highest amount of magnetite.&nbsp