Development of electromagnetic radiation shielding UHMWPE-Ni-Ag hybrid composite materials

Electromagnetic radiation pollution caused by the widespread application of electronic communication technology has increased significantly. In this context, the development of materials to be used in systems requiring high structural strength and the provision of appropriate electromagnetic shielding behavior is an important subject of study. In addition, electromagnetic isolation is required between the elements so that electronic systems and devices can work together without being affected by interference. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding means blocking electromagnetic radiation so that radiation cannot pass through the essentially blocking medium (or shield). Conductive walls are used for electrical shielding and ferromagnetic materials are used for magnetic shielding. The success value of shielding is measured by shielding effectiveness (SE). Metal matrix electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials have disadvantages such as high density, easy corrosion, difficult machining and high price. Polymer matrix composites are widely used in EMI shielding due to their low density, corrosion resistance, competitive price and good processability. In this study, in order to develop electromagnetic radiation shielding materials, UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) powder surfaces, which were prepared for electroless nickel plating, were coated with Nickel by electroless coating method, which is an easy deposition method, and Ag coating and Nanosilver were added on it. SEM-EDS analyzes were carried out to detect nickel coating, Ag and NanoAg additives and to observe their distribution in the composite matrix. The dominant phases Ni, Ag and NanoAg in UHMWPE were determined by XRD analysis. XRD analysis results showed that the powders were successfully Ni and Ag coated and NanoAg doped. The obtained powders were subjected to hot pressing at 180 °C for 15 minutes, and Ni-coated and Ag and NanoAg added UHMWPE composites were obtained. EMI-SE (Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness) measurement was performed on Ni coated and Ag and NanoAg doped UHMWPE particles to determine their shielding values. The results of the study show that the shielding value of the electroless Nickel coated (UH-Ni) composite material is around 60 dB, the currentless Ag coated (UH-Ni) Ag composite is around 55 dB, and the NanoAg doped (UH-Ni) NAg composite material is around 50 dB. has shown. When the results for both X and Ku-band were compared, it was observed how the addition of Ag and NanoAg on the Ni coated UHMWPE particles affected the shielding values.