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 carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane (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 62.0 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 (EMI), 3D printing, porous CNT/SiC-SiO₂ ceramic, EMI shielding 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, 2026, 41(6): 831-838.

Figures/Tables 6

Fig. 1 (a) Schematic diagram of the preparation process; (b) Zeta potential, (c) apparent viscosity, (d) storage modulus and loss modulus of CNT/PDMS inks

Table 1 Composition ratio of CNT/PDMS in the composite ink

Sample	CNT/g	Ethanol/g	PDMS base agent/g	PDMS curing agent/g	CNT/% (in mass)
CNT_(14.1)/PDMS	1	0.2	5	0.5	14.1
CNT_(14.5)/PDMS	1	0.4	5	0.5	14.5
CNT_(14.9)/PDMS	1	0.6	5	0.5	14.9

Fig. 2 (a) Mechanical compressive test diagram and (b) compress-release process in the direction of height and diagonal of bottom for CNT(14.5)/PDMS; (c) Compressive stress-strain curves under 10%-40% strain; (d) Thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry curve; (e) Mass spectra of CNT(14.5)/PDMS

Fig. 3 XPS spectra of (a) C1s and (b) Si2p core level for CNT/PDMS before pyrolysis and CNT(14.5)/SiC-SiO2 after pyrolysis

Fig. 4 (a, b) SEM images of 3D-printed (a) CNT(14.5)/PDMS and (b) CNT(14.5)/SiC-SiO2; (c-f) TEM images of 3D-printed CNT(14.5)/SiC-SiO2

Fig. 5 (a) EMI shielding performance of CNT/SiC-SiO2; (b) Average SET, SER, and SEA, and (c) schematic illustration of the EMI shielding mechanism for CNT/SiC-SiO2

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

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