Microskeleton Magnetic Nanofiller Composite with Highly Reliable Superhydrophobic Protection for Long-Lived Electromagnetic Interface Shielding

Superhydrophobic/electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials have received a great deal of attention, attributing to their excellent water repellence characteristic. However, it is really challenging to simultaneously achieve materials with superhydrophobicity, high EMI shielding performance, and long-term stability of these materials that can operate around the clock in harsh service conditions. Herein, a novel strategy to create an integrated microskeleton magnetic nanofiller composite (IMMNC) with exceptional liquid repellency, enhanced EMI shielding effectiveness, and extreme environment reliability is reported. The super-hydrophobicity of the IMMNC was maintained after extreme mechanical and chemical damage due to the synergistic enhancement between epoxy-silicone oligomers/polymerized rosin and micro-skeleton. Consecutively hierarchical micro/nanoarchitectures and conductive pathways endow the IMMNC with a high EMI shielding effectiveness up to 80.7 dB and a satisfactory antifouling capacity for solid and water-based contaminants. More interestingly, this composite still maintains a superior EMI shielding performance after being subjected to ultrasonic vibration, low (-20 degrees C) or high temperature (300 degrees C), and even strong acid (1 M), demonstrating its great potential and reliability as a high-performance EMI shielding material resistant to harsh operating conditions. This work provides an efficient and practical solution for developing next-generation EMI shielding materials with high reliability in an all-weather complex and changeable environment.

Automated summary

This study reports a novel strategy to create an integrated microskeleton magnetic nanofiller composite (IMMNC), which exhibits exceptional liquid repellency, enhanced EMI shielding effectiveness, and extreme environment reliability. The IMMNC maintains superhydrophobicity even after extreme mechanical and chemical damage, and demonstrates high EMI shielding effectiveness and antifouling capacity. It also maintains superior EMI shielding performance under various harsh conditions, showing great potential and reliability as a high-performance EMI shielding material. This work provides an efficient and practical solution for developing next-generation EMI shielding materials with high reliability in a complex and changeable environment.