Carbon nanotube–based nanocomposite for effective electromagnetic interference shielding in aerospace applications: A finite element study

Abstract

This study presents a numerical investigation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-based polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposite for its electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capabilities in the C-band using finite element method (FEM) software, Ansys HFSS. EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of carbon nanotubes-based polypyrrole nanocomposite (CBNC) affected by MWCNT content, thickness, and shape is reported. EMI SE of CBNC increases with MWCNT content. A maximum EMI SE due to absorption (SEA) of ~84dB for a 3mm pallet-shaped CBNC and ~178dB for hollow cylindrical CBNC (34.84mm outer diameter, 4mm thick) is observed for 2 weight percentage MWCNT. An FEM is used to analyze the effective elastic properties of CBNC. The impact of CNT volume fraction on CBNC's mechanical properties is studied. The effective elastic properties of CBNC improved with the incorporation of MWCNTs in PPy. Results reveal that CBNC is a highly absorbing and lightweight shield ideal for aerospace and satellite communication. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved including those for text and data mining AI training and similar technologies.