Nickel and iron nanoparticles decorated carbon fibers reinforced phenolic resin-based carbon composites foam for excellent electromagnetic interference shielding

The present work is focused on the decoration of nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe) nanoparticles on carbon fibers and these decorated fibers were reinforced in carbon foam. The foam was developed via the sacrificial template method followed by carbonization at 1000 degrees C. The structural, morphological, electrical, mechanical, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) of the fabricated composite foam is investigated. The EMI shielding of composite foams was measured in X-band (8.2-12.4GHz). The overall EMI SE of the received carbon foam (CF) was found to be 25.70 dB at 8.2 GHz; this value was then enhanced to 35.3 dB upon incorporation of carbon fiber in the carbon foam (C-CF). Further, the highest EMI SE of 62.3 dB was achieved in Fe nanoparticles decorated carbon fiber composite foam (Fe@C-CF). It is observed that Fe@C-CF exhibits an absorption component (SEA) of 58.5 dB (-94 %) and a reflection component of 3.8 dB (-6.0 %) only. Also, the Fe@C-CF showed the highest value of the specific EMI SE (778.25 dB cm(2) gm(-1)). The enhancement in EMI SE of composite foam can be ascribed to the occurrence of dielectric, magnetic, and interfacial polarization. So the developed lightweight composite foam demonstrated excellent EM wave absorption capability along with good mechanical and environmental sustainability.