Electromagnetic Absorption and Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Composites Based on Conductive Carbon Black and Fe3O4

Abstract

In contemporary civilization, the electromagnetic radiation from electronic devices and communication systems has become a substantial pollutant. High-performance electromagnetic absorbers have become a solution for absorbing unwanted electromagnetic waves. This research proposed a lightweight and flexible electromagnetic absorber produced from natural rubber filled with conductive carbon black (CCB) and Fe3O4. The effect of CCB, Fe3O4, and a combination of CCB and Fe3O4 as a hybrid filler on foam morpholog, electromagnetic reflectivity, tensile strength, and compression set properties were investigated. In addition, the effect of the alternating layered structure of CCB and Fe3O4 on electromagnetic absorption was investigated. The results indicated that the composite foam exhibited an interconnected network structure that enhanced the electromagnetic attenuation in the absorber. CCB increased the electromagnetic absorption of the foam, whereas Fe3O4 had less of an effect. The foam filled with the hybrid filler at the CCB/Fe3O4 ratio of 8/2 exhibited excellent electromagnetic absorption. The composite foam had a higher tensile modulus and higher strength compared to neat foam. The addition of CCB decreased the compression set; however, the compression set was improved by the incorporation of Fe3O4. Composite foams filled with hybrid filler can serve as highly efficient electromagnetic absorbing materials.