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Updated: Aug 9, 2025
Preparation and Evaluation of Hybrid Composites of Chemical Fuel and Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes in the Study of Thermopower Waves
Published on: April 10, 2015
Multifunctional carbon nanotubes-based hybrid aerogels with high-efficiency electromagnetic wave absorption at
Feng Yang1, Junru Yao1, Zhou Shen2
1College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 211100, China; Key Laboratory of Material Preparation and Protection for Harsh Environment (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics), Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Nanjing 211100, China.
This study presents a novel hybrid aerogel with excellent electromagnetic wave attenuation across the X-band, even at high temperatures. The material also offers superior sound absorption and thermal insulation for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Electromagnetics
Background:
- Traditional electromagnetic (EM) wave-absorbing materials often lack multifunctionality, limiting their use in advanced applications.
- Next-generation wireless communication and smart devices require materials with combined EM wave attenuation and other properties.
- Developing lightweight, robust, and multifunctional materials is crucial for emerging technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a lightweight and robust multifunctional hybrid aerogel.
- To evaluate its electromagnetic wave attenuation capabilities across a wide temperature range.
- To investigate its sound absorption and thermal insulation properties for diverse applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a hybrid aerogel using carbon nanotubes, aramid nanofibers, and polyimide.
- Measurement of EM wave attenuation performance across the X-band from 25°C to 400°C.
- Assessment of sound absorption coefficient and thermal conductivity.
Main Results:
- The hybrid aerogel demonstrated effective EM wave attenuation throughout the X-band across the tested temperature range.
- EM wave attenuation improved with increasing temperature, indicated by a reduced optimal thickness.
- The material exhibited a high average sound absorption coefficient (0.86 at 1-6.3 kHz) and low thermal conductivity (41 ± 2 mW/mK).
Conclusions:
- The developed carbon nanotube/aramid nanofiber/polyimide aerogel is a multifunctional material with excellent EM wave attenuation, sound absorption, and thermal insulation.
- Its performance is maintained and enhanced under thermal stress, making it suitable for harsh environments.
- The aerogel holds significant potential for electromagnetic protection, noise reduction, and thermal insulation in applications like anti-icing and infrared stealth.
