In this research work, we have proposed thin, lightweight, strong epoxy/carbon fiber (CF) composites modified with functional graphene oxide (GO). This strategy resulted in an impressive 175% improvement in the storage modulus, and an extraordinary 200% improvement in the shielding effectiveness at very low GO content. Firstly, GO was functionalized with epoxy pre-polymer (Ep-f-GO), to improve the interfacial adhesion with the matrix polymer; epoxy. It was followed by fabrication of CF laminates impregnated with epoxy nanocomposites. Functionalization of GO was confirmed using various techniques like XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, AFM, TGA. Epoxy nanocomposites were analyzed for thermal, mechanical, electrical and adhesive strength behavior. CF laminates with epoxy nanocomposites were fabricated using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). Ep-f-GO/Epoxy/CF composite exhibited excellent EMI shielding effectiveness value of -70 dB in Ku-band and storage modulus was found to be &gt;40 GPa. Ep-f-GO/Epoxy/CF composite showed absorption driven shielding of electromagnetic waves and hence can be used as a highly effective EM absorber. Such kind of material with excellent mechanical and EMI shielding behavior can be used in automotive or aerospace application.

Thin, lightweight, layered electromagnetic wave absorber derived from functional GO/epoxy/carbon fiber composites for for Ku-band frequency region application

256th National Meeting (2018)

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