Synthesis of carbon nanotubes composite nanofibers for ultrahigh performance UV protection and microwave absorption applications

Abstract

We report in this research the ultraviolet (UV) protection and microwave absorption properties of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite nanofibers based lightweight and flexible composite structure. The morphological analysis of the synthesis composite nanofibers exposed that the nanofibers average diameter decreases from 271 ± 32 to 161 ± 22 nm with increasing from 0 to 10 wt% MWCNTs content in solution. The increased content of MWCNTs in composites leads to higher impact among them; then, better UV blocking properties were attained. The maximum UV protection (UPF) value of composite nanofibers reaches UPF = 677 with a thickness of 100 μm. The microwave absorption property of the composite nanofibers was examined in the X-band frequency range. The optimal microwave reflection loss value is −14.43 dB at 11.49 GHz in composite nanofibers containing 10 wt% MWCNTs. This research has expertly made known the potential of developing electrospun composite nanofibers containing carbon nanotubes as lightweight and ultra-thin UV protection and microwave absorption materials.