Boosting the electromagnetic wave absorption performance of glass fiber by in-situ modification with carbon nanotubes using a coordination solution method

Abstract

Currently, flexible electromagnetic wave-absorbing materials are a highly regarded direction in the field of electromagnetic wave absorption. Growing CNTs on fiber surfaces is an effective strategy for preparing these flexible wave-absorbing materials. However, the CNTs grown on fibers through chemical vapor deposition remain challenges in achieving uniform morphology, high loading capacity, and complete coverage of the fibers due to uneven catalyst size and distribution caused by agglomeration., which can lead to a loss of wave-absorbing performance. This paper reports a method for loading catalysts on the surface of glass fiber using a coordination solution, successfully creating a uniform layer of CNTs on the fiberglass surface. The results show that employing a coordination solution to create a catalytic environment for CNTs leads to CNTs with higher growth density, more uniform morphology, and higher conductivity, which benefit to the electromagnetic wave absorption capability of the CNTs/GF material. At a frequency of 7.25 GHz and a thickness of 5.34 mm, the material's minimum reflection loss reaches −69.6 dB. Meanwhile, at a thickness of 2.64 mm, its effective frequency bandwidth reaches 5.12 GHz. The improved wave-absorbing efficiency and effective frequency bandwidth of the CNTs/GF material arise not only from the conductive network of CNTs on the fiber surface but also from the high retention of nickel-based catalyst, which balances the electrical and magnetic properties of the material and enhances its impedance matching. This method provides a new pathway for the development of novel structural-functional integrated electromagnetic wave absorption materials.