Ferrite-based polymer nanocomposites as shielding materials: a review

This article contributes an up-to-date review of polymer-based nanocomposites for their shielding applications. Nanocomposites are composed of inorganic nanosized particles and a matrix of standard material like polymer which provide unique materials for several industrial applications. Appropriate selection and combination of unique properties result in hybrid nanocomposites of peculiar interest. Polymer nanocomposites (PNC) not only bear excellent properties but can also be made to exhibit a combination of properties for multifunctional applications. Electromagnetic interference shielding is to protect the electronic devices from disruptions and to avoid irreparable damage to the devices. Traditionally this can be achieved by using a metal screen to absorb it. Since metals are susceptible to corrosion, low impact resistance, high density, and polymer nanocomposites with magnetic nanofillers become a radical alternative to this. Ferrite particles are highly relevant materials and their properties show enhanced performance when the size gets reduced below 30 nm. The superparamagnetic nature of ferrite particles and their polymer nanocomposites, therefore, rely mainly on the size and distribution of particles in the polymer matrix. In this review, we are mainly discussing polymer nanocomposites doped with ferrite fillers, their method of synthesis, and their exceptional shielding property.