Self-Healing Nanocomposites with Carbon Nanotube/Graphene/Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticle Tricontinuous Networks for Electromagnetic Radiation Shielding

Abstract

Recently, high-performance self-healing electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials with superior electrical conductivity, excellent shielding efficiency, and effective selfrepairing ability have gained great attention. However, the practical development of such systems still encounters considerable challenges. In this study, a highly efficient EMI shielding selfhealing nanocomposite system composed of multiple components of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), graphene nanosheets (GNSs), and Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles was developed by integrating a novel amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly-(caprolactone-co-furfuryl glycidyl ether) block copolymer (PEG-b-PCLF) with 1,1′-(methylenedi-4,1-phenylene)bismaleimide and nanofillers via Diels−Alder (DA) chemistry and molecular affinity. Within this composite system, MWCNTs were distributed within the GNSs and served as connecting bridges across adjacent GNSs. Simultaneously, Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were uniformly interspersed in the space around the MWCNT/GNS staggered framework due to good affinity with the hydrophilic PEG block, thereby forming MWCNT/GNS/Fe 3 O 4 tricontinuous networks. Upon heating, the retro-DA mechanisms endowed the material system with excellent reprocessability and self-repairability. More importantly, the MWCNT/GNS/Fe 3 O 4 tricontinuous networks not only provided efficient channels for charge transport but also served as an electromagnetic framework that synergistically endowed the material system with excellent EMI shielding properties. Accordingly, a favorable electrical conductivity of 18.5 S m −1 and an extremely high shielding effectiveness of 92.7 dB in the X-band were achieved. Additionally, the material system also possessed sufficient performances in the recovery of mechanical properties and shielding efficiency after repair, thereby leading to a prolonged service life. This study offers a promising strategy for the effective integration of multiple electromagnetic nanofillers into a self-healing polymeric system, which leads to highly efficient electrical and EMI shielding properties as well as remarkable self-repairability. We believe that these results can guide the development of advanced, durable EMI shielding applications.

Recent advances in structural design of conductive polymer composites for electromagnetic interference shielding

“…However, obtaining a satisfactory conductivity with a low nanofiller content was still challenging, even though the introduction of porous structure into polymer composites, mainly because of the uniform distribution and agglomeration of conductive nanofillers. Therefore, exploring the alternatives to CPCs with low filling content and density, and high absorption efficiency of EMWs was still challenging 234,235 …”

“…Therefore, exploring the alternatives to CPCs with low filling content and density, and high absorption efficiency of EMWs was still challenging. 234,235…”

Microwave-assisted ZnO-decorated carbon urchin resembling ‘shish-kebab’ morphology with self-healing and enhanced electromagnetic shielding properties

“…Moreover, in recent years, there has been a rising trend of integrating stimuli response materials (e.g., temperature and wind) into EMI shielding composites to address miscellaneous environmental needs. 37,38 One vital function is selfhealing capability, allowing concurrent transformation between time and material structure, largely in aerospace applications. 38 Over time, EMI protecting composites often encounter structural defects, resulting in deterioration in their properties.…”

Multilayered Composites with Carbon Nanotubes for Electromagnetic Shielding Application

“…In contrast, coatings based on polymer composites filled with nanocarbon inclusions are lightweight, easily processable, and chemically stable. Therefore, polymeric composites with various nanoinclusions have been suggested for electromagnetic shielding applications [ 6 , 7 ].…”