High-Performance Microwave-Absorbing Hemp Textile: Ni-Zn Ferrite and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes-Infused Nanocomposite for X-Band Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

Abstract

This study aims to develop a flexible and sustainable electromagnetic (EM) wave-absorbing material by using hemp fabric as a substrate incorporated with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and magnetic Ni-Zn ferrite nanoparticles (NPs). In this context, the objective is to achieve effective EM attenuation across a wide frequency range using a green, lightweight composite to meet the rising demand for ecofriendly shielding in electronic and communication systems. Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ and MWCNT composite NPs are uniformly dispersed in a molten paraffin binder and impregnated into hemp fabrics. The magnetic NPs are synthesized via the microwave-assisted combustion method. The EM parameters of the resulting structure are determined in the X-band using experimental scattering data and the Nicholson–Ross–Weir method. Absorption performance is evaluated based on varying weight ratios of magnetic NPs and MWCNTs, with an emphasis on impedance matching. The results indicate that combining dielectric and magnetic components significantly enhances absorption. A maximum reflection loss of −72.42 dB and a 3.81 GHz bandwidth (covering over 90.71% of the X-band) are achieved at 10.08 GHz. Increasing Ni-Zn content shifts the resonance to higher frequencies. This sustainable, flexible composite shows strong potential for electromagnetic interference shielding, particularly in defense applications requiring radar invisibility.