Lightweight Dual-Functional Segregated Nanocomposite Foams for Integrated Infrared Stealth and Absorption-Dominant Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

Zhonglei Ma ^1,2, Ruochu Jiang ^3,4, Jiayao Jing ⁵

¹MOE Key Laboratory of Material Physics and Chemistry Under Extraordinary Conditions, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, People's Republic of China. mazl@nwpu.edu.cn.
²Chongqing Innovation Center, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Chongqing, 401135, People's Republic of China. mazl@nwpu.edu.cn.
³MOE Key Laboratory of Material Physics and Chemistry Under Extraordinary Conditions, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, People's Republic of China.
⁴Chongqing Innovation Center, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Chongqing, 401135, People's Republic of China.
⁵College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Auxiliary Chemistry and Technology for Chemical Industry, Ministry of Education, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710072, People's Republic of China.
⁶Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G8, Canada.
⁷MOE Key Laboratory of Material Physics and Chemistry Under Extraordinary Conditions, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, People's Republic of China. zhangguc@nwpu.edu.cn.
⁸Chongqing Innovation Center, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Chongqing, 401135, People's Republic of China. zhangguc@nwpu.edu.cn.

⁰MOE Key Laboratory of Material Physics and Chemistry Under Extraordinary Conditions, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, People's Republic of China. mazl@nwpu.edu.cn.

Nano-Micro Letters +

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June 17, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

New lightweight nanocomposite foams offer dual-function infrared stealth and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. These materials are ideal for aerospace and military applications, providing significant temperature reduction and enhanced EMI absorption.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Nanotechnology
Composite Materials

Background

Lightweight infrared stealth and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are critical for aerospace, military, and electronics.
Existing materials often face limitations in achieving both high-efficiency shielding and stealth capabilities simultaneously.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop lightweight, high-efficiency dual-functional segregated nanocomposite foams for integrated infrared stealth and absorption-dominant EMI shielding.
To investigate the performance of these materials in reducing thermal radiation and shielding electromagnetic waves.

Main Methods

Utilized supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) foaming, hydrogen bonding assembly, and compression molding.
Created segregated nanocomposite foams with microcellular structures.
Incorporated Ti3C2Tx as a key component.

Main Results

Achieved superior infrared stealth through synergistic thermal insulation and low emissivity.
Demonstrated outstanding absorption-dominant EMI shielding due to microcellular and segregated structures.
Reported a significant radiation temperature reduction of 70.2 °C and an improved EM wave absorptivity/reflectivity ratio of 2.15 at 1.7 vol% Ti3C2Tx.
Exhibited excellent working reliability and stability under dynamic compression.

Conclusions

The developed segregated nanocomposite foams offer a promising solution for integrated infrared stealth and EMI shielding.
These materials show excellent potential for applications in aerospace, weapons, military, and wearable electronics.
The combination of SC-CO2 foaming and specific material assembly provides an efficient and scalable fabrication strategy.

Keywords:

EMI shielding Infrared stealth Low infrared emissivity Microcellular structures Segregated nanocomposite foams