Interfacial tailoring of conducting polymer nanocomposite films for high-efficiency X-band EMI shielding
Duraipandian Ajith Kumar, M. Malathi
Abstract
This work presents a novel class of conductive polymer-based nanocomposite (CPNC) films targeted for high-performance EMI shielding in the X-band (8–12 GHz) frequency range, a key for next-generation electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers. We demonstrate an effective enhancement in both electric and magnetic loss mechanisms by incorporating dual-functional nanofillers, electrically conductive Cu and PANI, and magnetically responsive NiFe₂O₄, into a PMMA matrix using a solvent casting technique. Out of all the composites that were developed, CPNC-3 and CPNC-4 had exceptional EMI SE that went beyond 20 dB, reaching up to 34.5 dB in simulations and 29.8 dB in experiments. The hybrid filler systems improved interfacial polarization, dielectric relaxation, and magnetic loss are responsible for the notable improvement in EMI SE. This work proposes a versatile material design platform for next-generation stealth, aerospace, and electronic shielding applications, along with a scalable route to fabricate lightweight EM absorbers.