Flexible multifunctional MXene/SWCNTs composite films with excellent infrared stealth, electromagnetic interference shielding and electrical heating properties

Abstract

Ti₃C₂T_x MXene, known for its high electrical conductivity and low infrared emissivity, has become a research hotspot in infrared stealth, thermal management and electromagnetic shielding. However, reduced emissivity hampers heat dissipation through thermal radiation, leading to heat accumulation that can elevate temperature and affect performance, lifespan, or detectability. This highlights the necessity of integrating thermal management materials to ensure effective heat dissipation and stealth performance. In this study, MXene was utilized as a low-emissivity matrix material, while SWCNTs were incorporated to enhance thermal management. By optimizing their ratio and interfacial bonding, the MSC-3 film was obtained, exhibiting high conductivity (83000 S/m), low emissivity (0.176), and anisotropic thermal conductivity. The film effectively reduces the radiative temperature of a high-temperature target (311.6 °C) by 207.3 °C, demonstrating significant high-temperature infrared stealth performance. Additionally, this study reveals key factors affecting infrared emissivity of composite films, offering valuable insights into optimizing surface structure and stealth performance. The film also demonstrates enhanced tensile strength, an EMI shielding effectiveness of 63.3 dB, and excellent electric heating performance (2 V, 359 °C), making it suitable for dynamic infrared stealth applications. This work offers important insights into designing multifunctional flexible infrared stealth films.