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Sea Anemone-Inspired Phase Change Composites for Efficient Heat Dissipation and Ultra-High Electromagnetic
Xiaoling He1,2, Wenjian Zhang1, Tao Liu1
1State Key Laboratory of Precision Electronic Manufacturing Technology and Equipment, School of Electromechanical Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Research (Washington, D.C.)
|January 14, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a bioinspired composite using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on copper foam for advanced thermal and electromagnetic shielding in electronics. The novel material significantly reduces heat and blocks electromagnetic interference.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Bioinspired Engineering
Background:
- Modern electronics require advanced thermal management and electromagnetic shielding.
- Existing materials often struggle to meet the dual demands of high-power applications.
- Bioinspiration offers novel strategies for material design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multifunctional composite for thermal and electromagnetic management in high-power electronics.
- To utilize a bioinspired approach mimicking sea anemone tentacles.
- To integrate carbon nanotubes (CNTs), copper foam, expanded graphite, and a polymer matrix.
Main Methods:
- Architecting sea anemone tentacle-like CNTs on copper foam.
- Anchoring poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene)/n-docosane onto CNTs for enhanced thermal properties.
- Interconnecting CNTs with expanded graphite for multi-path thermal conduction.
- Creating heterogeneous interfaces for electromagnetic wave reflection.
Main Results:
- Achieved a thermal conductivity of 4.71 W/m·K in the composite (CuFCE-2).
- Successfully suppressed chip temperatures by 60.6 °C (transient) and 15.7 °C (steady state).
- Demonstrated prominent electromagnetic interference shielding, averaging 111.1 dB in the X-band.
Conclusions:
- The bioinspired composite (CuFCE-2) offers superior thermal management and electromagnetic shielding.
- The straightforward preparation method enhances its application potential.
- Significant applications are foreseen in electronics, aerospace, defense, and energy systems.
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