Characterization of rigid electromagnetic interference shielding composite using biomass-derived musa fiber and industry waste functional filler

The present study focuses on the development and evaluation of musa and silk hybrid composites incorporated with silver slag particles for their electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness. The main objective is to study the angular staking of silk and musa fiber fabric in the composite and its influence on the mechanical, dielectric, and electromagnetic properties. The composites were developed via the hand layup method using two different stacking order series such as EA and EB. The composites underwent forced cutting after the composites naturally cured at room temperature for 24 h. Further, the composites were undergone for property evaluation strictly based on ASTM standards. According to the results, the composite EB2 demonstrated a highest dielectric constant of 4.28 at a frequency of 20 GHz. Furthermore, when operating at a frequency of "20 GHz," the EB2 composite material exhibited the most effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, with a shielding effectiveness of 62.44 dB. Furthermore, the EB structured composites have superior mechanical characteristics compared to the EA designation. The EB2 composite exhibited superior tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness characteristics with - 45 degrees/ + 45 degrees fabric laying angle orientation. The SEM fractographs indicated highly reactive phases of fiber with resin and traces of toughness improvement along with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum confirming the silver particle presence. Similarly in flame retardant properties also the composites performed well. Almost all composites show a V-0 flame rating in the vertical and well as horizontal flame test. Consequently, the incorporation of silk fiber to enhance conductivity, musa to provide substantial mechanical strength, and silver slag to enable multi-reflection in the EB configuration resulted in overall enhanced outcomes. These composites, which have enhanced electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties and high load-bearing capacity, can be used in telecommunication, aviation, and gadget works using electromagnetic wave (mobile phones).