Optimization of the EMI shielding effectiveness of fine and ultrafine POFA powder mix with OPC powder using Flower Pollination Algorithm

Abstract

In order to solve the electromagnetic interference (EMI) issue and provide a new application for palm oil fuel ash (POFA), POFA was used as the cement filler for enhancing the EMI absorption of cement-based composites. POFA was refined by using water precipitation for 24 hours to remove the filthiness and distinguish the layer 1 (floated) and layer 2 (sink) of POFA. Both layers POFA were dried for 24 hours at 100 ± 5 °C and grind separately for sieve at 140 μm (Fine) and 45 цш sizes (Ultrafine). The micro structure and element content of the both layers POFA were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) respectively. The results showed layer 1 POFA has potentialities for EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) due to its higher carbon content and porous structure. The study reveals that EMI SE also influenced by the particle size of POFA, where smaller particle size can increase 5 % to 13 % of EMI SE. When the specimen consists of 50% POFA with passing through 45 μm sieve, the EMI was shield -13.08 dB in between 50 MHz to 2 GHz range. Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA) proves that POFA passing 45 μm sieve with 50% mixed to OPC is optimal parameter. The error between experimental and FPA simulation data is below 1.2 for both layers POFA.