Enhancing the electromagnetic induction shielding property in resole resin composites using modified graphite compounds and shielding analysis

The usage of instruments involving electromagnetic radiation is on the rise in these days and such devices need to be shielded with prudence to ensure flawless performances. Advances in material technology ensure the development of tailor-made materials to satisfy roughly every demand. The shortcomings of traditional shielding materials like metallic jackets can be more effectively overcome by the employment of cutting-edge materials. In this work, polymer composites were prepared with resole resin as the polymer matrix and different graphite-based compounds as the reinforcing materials. To facilitate intermolecular adhesion and proper dispersion of such reinforcing materials in the polymer matrix, preliminary alterations were made to the graphite structure. The techniques employed were sulphuric acid intercalation and aminosilane grafting, respectively. Further adaptations were made to the silanised graphite particles using Fe 3 O 4 and BaFe 12 O 19 particles. The scattering parameters of the resole resin composites incorporated with different graphite compounds were analyzed using a Vector Network Analyzer to find the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness. The behavior of all composites was analyzed in the 8–12 GHz (X-band) frequency. Those composites having Fe in their structure were found to exhibit enhanced electromagnetic induction shielding properties. Nearly 100% increase in both reflective and absorptive shielding effectiveness was observed after the incorporation of Fe 3 O 4 and BaFe 12 O 19 particles into the structure of pristine phenolic resole resin. Moreover, the presence of ceramic ferrites greatly influenced the improvement in mechanical strength and also thermal stability properties. The thickness of the material also influenced its shielding effectiveness. Graphical abstract