Constructing magneto-dielectric dual absorption performance of epoxy based nanocomposites filled with polyaniline-manganese zinc ferrite

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the microwave absorbing properties of epoxy based nanocomposites incorporated with polyaniline-manganese zinc ferrite (PAni-MZF) as hybrid active fillers. Carbonaceous materials due to their high conductivity and weight ratio have emerged as a potential class of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials while ferrimagnetic materials have unique properties like; magneto crystalline anisotropic and magnetic permeability. Consequently, constructed nanocomposites capable of efficient absorption and shielding to electromagnetic radiation are of paramount importance for electronic and communication applications. Synthesized PAni and MZF nano-fillers have been dispersed with 1.9, 2.4 and 2.9 weight percentages for a series of PAni / MZF-epoxy nano-composites. Synthesized PAni has been characterized for phase and surface morphology using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field emission electron microscope (FESEM) respectively. On the other hand, prepared nano-composites were characterized for structural, magnetic and electromagnetic (EM) absorbing properties using FESEM, Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and vector network analyzer (VNA). The combination of magneto-dielectric characteristics has shown the synergetic effect, leading to improved EM absorbing properties for the X Band frequency domains. Constructed nanocomposite’s properties have been demonstrating remarkable reflection loss. Consequently, designed absorbers hold significant application in the EMI shielding, aerospace industries and suppressing of radar signatures.