An Experimental Investigation and Optimization of Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness of Hybrid Epoxy Nanocomposites

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted on the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) of a hybrid composite fabricated by the hand lay-up method with neat epoxy and a combination of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), copper oxide (CuO), and bamboo charcoal (BC) as nanofillers. The main objective of this study was to improve the EMI SE at the higher frequency range of 8–12 GHz, with promising mechanical and thermal strength. The samples were fabricated and characterized for EMI shielding behavior. Further, response surface methodology (RSM) was carried out, and based on experimental results, it was found that the maximum EMI SE for sample A6 was 35.11 in a frequency range of 8–12 GHz, which is an admirable improvement in EMI SE with matrix alone. Also, it was noted that 5.0 wt.% CuO, 1.25 wt.% MWCNTs, and 5.5 wt.% BC were the optimal wt.% values for gaining the maximum EMI SE. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]