A PERSPECTIVE ON EPOXY/GRAPHITE-BASED COMPOSITES FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE SHIELDING: FABRICATION AND APPLICATION IN SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES
Keywords:
Electromagnetic interference shielding; Graphite; Silver deposition; Functional materials; Surface conductivityAbstract
Purpose
The rapid advancement of technology brings numerous benefits, such as facilitating everyday processes in households, laboratories, and production environments. However, many modern electronic devices used in forensic laboratories and police units require electromagnetic compatibility for efficient operation. To overcome this challenge, an effective solution is the design of protective covers made from lightweight, high-efficiency composite materials.
Design/Methods/Approach
This study presents a method for modifying the surface of graphite particles by silver deposition and their implementation in epoxy-based composite materials. Graphite particles were treated with the prepared silver dispersion, while FESEM/EDS, XRF, and electrical conductivity analyses were conducted to assess the properties of the modified particles. The polymer characteristics were evaluated through viscosity determination and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The study examined how the mechanical properties of composites relate to the mass fraction of modified graphite particles and the effectiveness of electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI SE) in the X-band.
Findings
Analysis of the modified graphite particles revealed a significant concentration of elemental silver on graphite surfaces to improve electrical conductivity. Increasing the conductivity of particles contributes to the formation of a Faraday cage, which can find application in increasing the electromagnetic compatibility electronic devices. The incorporation of the silver coating onto graphite particles` surface improved the physical and mechanical properties of the particles and composites. The average wave intensity attenuation increased by 21% with silver coating compared to samples without it.
Originality/Value
This paper presents a cost-effective method for modifying the surface of graphite particles via silver deposition following dispersion evaporation. A key advantage of this method is that it does not require expensive equipment, high energy consumption, and also does not generate large amounts of waste that would need special treatment. Moreover, the study explores the potential practical application of the composites for preventing electromagnetic interference in security technologies.
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