The Synergetic Effect of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dot and Short Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite on Electromagnetic Shielding in X-Band and Mechanical Properties

Abstract

The present study aims on the fabrication of hybrid epoxy composite with zero-dimensional (OD) filler nitrogen-doped carbon dot (N-CDs) and short carbon fiber (SCF) for the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding in the X-band frequency. The scanning electron microscope microstructure study has revealed that the SCF is strongly adhered to the epoxy without aggregations. The Dielectric response study indicates an increase in complex permittivity with the addition of N-CDs filler due to an increase of interfacial region between epoxy and the filler. The shielding effectiveness (SE) has enhanced to 35.7 dB for 3 wt.% loading of N-CDs to SCF of 5 wt.% in the epoxy matrix (SCF-CD3). The N-CDs loaded composites led to an increase in both the shielding by reflection and absorption due to the enhancement of interfacial adhesion and electrically conductive network hi the epoxy matrix. Additionally, the mechanical properties such as storage modulus, glass transition temperature, and thermal conductivity is improved in the N-CDs loaded composites. It has been observed that the SCF-CD3 sample show high EMI shielding effectiveness with better mechanical and thermal properties. © 2024 The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan.