Preparation and characterization of a kind of magnetic carbon fibers used as electromagnetic shielding materials

In present work, a new kind of magnetic carbon fiber with nickel/Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Ni/Fe3O4-NPs) composite coatings was prepared by electrodeposition. Microstructure observation indicated that Fe3O4-NPs are homogenously distributed and tightly adhered to the coatings, which guarantee that carbon fiber possess high saturation magnetization and permeability. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding test showed that the prepared magnetic carbon fiber exhibit excellent EMI shielding effectiveness. Based on Schelkunoff electromagnetic shielding theory, the high permeability in the prepared carbon fiber can bring about the co-effect of reflection and absorption mechanisms of radiation and thus obviously improve its EMI shielding effectiveness. Therefore, this magnetic carbon fiber is promising for application in electromagnetic shielding materials.

► Ni/Fe3O4-NPs composite coatings on the surface of carbon fiber were prepared.
► Carbon fiber with Ni/Fe3O4-NPs composite coatings exhibit high magnetic property.
► Ni/Fe3O4-NPs coatings bring co-effect of reflection and absorption mechanisms.