Abstract
Because electromagnetic (EM) pollution of the environment is becoming such a pervasive issue, highly efficient solutions for EM protection are being keenly sought for. Our approach provides new avenues to simple, compact, and efficient broadband microwave absorbers designed to cancel EM interferences in the microwave range. The paper demonstrates the potential of a clever organization of nanoscaled inclusions (carbon nanotubes, graphene, magnetic metallic nanowires or nanoparticles) in polymer matrices for controlling the electromagnetic propagation at wavelengths ranging from millimeters up to tenths of centimeters, with a particular focus on broadband absorption. Controlled architectures of polymer composites loaded with various nanofillers, and in particular layered stacks of composite films enable optimization of the absorption bandwidth while preserving the compactness of the structure. First, various carbon-based and metallic nanofillers are synthesized. Next, nanofillers are dispersed in a polymer matrix thanks to melt polymer processing and dispersion techniques. The absorption characteristics of resulting thin composite slabs are first characterized. Various combinations of superposed slabs are then investigated and modelled in order to optimize the absorption of the resulting multilayers. The performances of the investigated structures are finally compared with the help of a new figure of merit combining the maximum absorption and its bandwidth.
Highlights
As stated in Danlée et al, electromagnetic (EM) waves are omnipresent in the present domestic and working place environments
Conductive carbonaceous nanosupports combined with metallic magnetic nanostructures are included into polymer-hosting thin films that are stacked together to form multilayered gradient structures allowing broadband absorption
The multilayer carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-PC melt-blended composite presented is based on the work in Danlée et al (2014) and consists of 3 composite layers having a conductivity gradually increasing from 50, 90 to 100 S/m, with a corresponding loading of 2–5 and 7.5 wt.% of CNTs
Summary
As stated in Danlée et al (in press), electromagnetic (EM) waves are omnipresent in the present domestic and working place environments. The rising number of electronic devices and the trend toward increasing wideband wireless communication is becoming an issue It generates electromagnetic interference (EMI) between devices or their subcomponents. EMI broadband shielding is usually achieved by using electromagnetic reflectors, such as metal foils or coatings, acting as Faraday cages (Leland, 1992) These methods are becoming less satisfactory because the EM signal is reflected in another direction and can still interfere with nearby (sub)devices without significant loss. This is especially non-suitable given the above-mentioned health concern and technological intensification. These considerations have given renewed popularity to EM absorbers. The goal is to truly eliminate the EM signal, especially in areas where it is unwanted
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