Multifunctional Epoxy Composites with Nutmeg Fiber and Banana Peel Carbon Quantum Dots for EMI Shielding
摘要
This research examines the mechanical, magnetic, thermal, dielectric, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of epoxy resin composites reinforced with nutmeg short fiber and carbon quantum dots (CQDs). RNC3, with 3 vol% CQD, exhibited superior mechanical and EMI shielding performance, achieving a tensile strength of 145 MPa, flexural strength of 161 MPa, impact strength of 4.6 J, Shore-D hardness of 83, and shielding effectiveness of 28.42 dB at 8 GHz, 41.53 dB at 12 GHz, 55.96 dB at 16 GHz and 61.60 dB at 18 GHz. These values notably exceed those reported in prior studies on natural fiber-based composites, which typically show EMI shielding effectiveness below 40 dB and tensile strengths under 120 MPa. The enhancements are attributed to uniform CQD dispersion, which improves stress transfer and charge dissipation. In contrast, RNC5 with 5 vol% CQD demonstrated optimal dielectric, magnetic, and thermal properties, with a dielectric permittivity of 5.04, dielectric loss of 0.77, magnetic permeability (real part) of 4.74 at 20 Hz, and the lowest thermal conductivity of 0.23 W/m·K—figures that are competitive with other bio-based insulating materials. Scanning electron microscopy revealed CQD agglomeration in RNC5, diminishing its mechanical and shielding performance, while RNC3 exhibited a well-dispersed morphology, making it more suitable for high-strength and EMI shielding applications. RNC5, however, is more applicable for dielectric, magnetic, and thermal insulation uses.