Highly Efficient EMI Shielding via 3D-Printed CNT/SiC-SiO2 Architectures

doi:10.15541/jim20250400

Abstract

Abstract: The development of lightweight, mechanically robust, and high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials is critical for next-generation electronic and communication systems. In this study, we report the design and fabrication of a 3D-printed CNT/PDMS composite with tunable composition and hierarchical architecture. The resulting composite exhibits exceptional mechanical resilience, supporting loads up to 250 times its own weight and recovering fully after experiencing 40% strain. During pyrolysis in an inert atmosphere, the PDMS matrix decomposes and transforms into a SiC-SiO₂ ceramic phase that encapsulates the CNT network, thereby forming a hierarchically porous, multi-phase architecture. Notably, the CNT/SiC-SiO₂ composite demonstrates outstanding EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 62 dB in the X-band (8-12 GHz), primarily attributed to absorption (SE_A = 59.91 dB). This elevated absorption capability arises from synergistic effects including improved impedance matching, conduction loss, interfacial/dipole polarization, and multiple internal reflections within the hierarchically porous, multi-interface architecture. The “absorption-reflection-reabsorption” mechanism enables near-complete attenuation of incident electromagnetic waves. This work presents a scalable, 3D-printing-enabled strategy for fabricating multifunctional carbon-ceramic composites with superior EMI shielding performance, which can meet the requirement of aerospace, wearable electronics, and military applications.

Key words: electromagnetic interference, 3D printing, porous CNT/SiC-SiO₂ ceramic, EMI absorption mechanism

CLC Number:

TQ174

WANG Mengmeng, TIAN Li, ZHANG Junmin, LI Qinggang, YANG Jinshan, DONG Shaoming. Highly Efficient EMI Shielding via 3D-Printed CNT/SiC-SiO₂ Architectures[J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, DOI: 10.15541/jim20250400.

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Highly Efficient EMI Shielding via 3D-Printed CNT/SiC-SiO₂ Architectures

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