Engineering multifunctionality graphene-based nanocomposites with epoxy-silane functionalized cardanol for...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Electromagnetics

Background:

• Growing demand for effective microwave-absorbing materials (MAM) due to technological advancements.
• Two-dimensional (2D) materials are favored for their high surface area, conductivity, and dielectric properties.
• Electromagnetic wave interference requires efficient mitigation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop lightweight, cost-effective, and efficient graphene-based nanocomposite microwave absorbers.
• To investigate the microwave absorption properties of epoxy resin (ER) blended with cardanol silane-functionalized (SFC) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP).
• To enhance hydrophobicity and surface roughness for improved material performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of nanocomposites using epoxy resin (ER), silane-functionalized cardanol (SFC), and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP).
• Characterization of surface morphology, including surface roughness measurement (130 nm).
• Evaluation of hydrophobicity through contact angle measurements.
• Assessment of microwave absorption performance, including reflection loss (RL) and impedance matching.

Main Results:

• The ER/SFC/GNP nanocomposite exhibited enhanced hydrophobicity and high surface roughness.
• A minimum reflection loss (RL) of -18 dB was achieved at 10 mm thickness for the sample with 3 wt% GNP.
• Improved impedance matching and dielectric loss capability were observed.
• The damping factor ratio increased to approximately 0.95, enhancing reflection loss performance.

Conclusions:

• The developed lightweight graphene-based nanocomposites are highly effective microwave absorbers.
• The combination of ER, SFC, and GNP offers a promising solution for electromagnetic wave interference mitigation.
• The material demonstrates potential for cost-effective and efficient applications in electromagnetic shielding.