Sign in Subscribe
Epoxy resins

Breakthrough in Carbon Nanotubes Research: Developing Sustainable Materials for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the Chongqing Key Laboratory have made a significant advancement in the field of carbon nanotubes by creating biobased and recyclable epoxy thermoset composites that not only exhibit improved mechanical properties but also possess electrical conductivity, electromagnetic interference shielding capacity, and Joule heating performance. These composites are fabricated through a novel solvent-free approach that involves precuring in an internal mixer followed by curing in an oven. The addition of carbon nanotubes enhances the material's functionality and sustainability, making it suitable for various applications, including electromagnetic interference shielding and Joule heating.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers developed a novel solvent-free approach to fabricate multifunctional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced biobased and recyclable epoxy thermoset composites.
  • The epoxy matrix, a covalent adaptable network (CAN) based on dynamic imine bonds, was synthesized from entirely biobased feedstocks.
  • The shear force during precuring facilitated dispersion of CNTs in the CAN matrix, allowing for high CNTs loading (up to 20 wt%).
  • The composite with 20% CNTs exhibited a tensile strength and Young's modulus of 78.1 MPa and 3.07 GPa, respectively, marking a 34.2% and 63.6% improvement over pristine CAN.
  • The composite demonstrated a high electrical conductivity of 35.3 S/m, resulting in a remarkable EMI shielding effectiveness (22.8 dB) and excellent Joule heating performance (reaching 131.7°C at 27 V input).
  • The composites are thermally and chemically recyclable due to dynamic imine bonds, promoting sustainability and circular economy.
  • The research concluded that these composites can be used for electromagnetic interference shielding and Joule heating applications.

Statistics:

  • Tensile strength and Young's modulus of the composite with 20% CNTs: 78.1 MPa and 3.07 GPa, respectively.
  • Improvement in tensile strength and Young's modulus over pristine CAN: 34.2% and 63.6%, respectively.
  • Electrical conductivity of the composite: 35.3 S/m.
  • EMI shielding effectiveness of the composite: 22.8 dB.
  • Joule heating performance of the composite: reaching 131.7°C at 27 V input.
  • CNTs loading in the composite: up to 20 wt%.
  • Publication date of the journal article: 2024 (in CleanMat, vol. 1, no. 1).
  • Publisher of the journal article: Wiley.

Sources:

  • Biobased recyclable epoxy composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes for electromagnetic interference shielding and Joule heating. CleanMat, 2024,1(1):5-15.
  • NewsRx. Reports Outline Carbon Nanotubes Study Findings from Chongqing Key Laboratory (Biobased recyclable epoxy composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes for electromagnetic interference shielding and Joule heating). Electronics Newsweekly. November 4, 2025; p 2948.

Read more