Responses of Polystyrene/MWCNT Nanocomposites to Electromagnetic Waves and the Effect of Nanotubes Dispersion

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) have emerged as key issues with respect to commercial and military purposes in association with electromagnetic waves. The importance of protection against electromagnetic interference in wireless communication and electronic toll collection (ETC) systems has undoubtedly increased over the years. Generally، the electromagnetic absorption properties of material depend on their intrinsic electromagnetic properties such as conductivity، magnetic permeability and dielectric constant and also factors such as thickness and frequency. The effect of each parameter on the absorption performance is yet difficult to comprehend due to the complexity of electromagnetic waves propagation in different media. Addition of pure dielectric or magnetic material to a polymer matrix is a possible way to change electromagnetic properties of the materials. In this study nanocomposites of polystyrene/multi-walled carbon nanotubes were prepared using a solution method with three different homogenizer speeds for the purpose of nanotube dispersion and evaluation of the effect of nanotube dispersion on the electromagnetic wave absorption properties. The morphology of the nanocomposits was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The capability and properties of electromagnetic wave absorption of nanocomposites were studied in the frequency range of 5 to 8 GHz using a vector network analyzer and finally the results of their absorption were compared with each other. It was found that by improving the dispersion of nanoparticles، both the amount and bandwidth of absorption increase. Moreover، by increasing the homogenizer speed up to 10000 rpm the maximum reflection loss was reported to occur at 8 GHz.