Low temperature charge transport and microwave absorption of carbon coated iron nanoparticles–polymer composite films

In this paper, the low temperature electrical conductivity and microwave absorption properties of carbon coated iron nanoparticles–polyvinyl chloride composite films are investigated for different filler fractions. The filler particles are prepared by the pyrolysis of ferrocene at 980 °C and embedded in polyvinyl chloride matrix. The high resolution transmission electron micrographs of the filler material have shown a 5 nm thin layer graphitic carbon covering over iron particles. The room temperature electrical conductivity of the composite film changes by 10 orders of magnitude with the increase of filler concentration. A percolation threshold of 2.2 and an electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency (EMI SE) of ∼18.6 dB in 26.5–40 GHz range are observed for 50 wt% loading. The charge transport follows three dimensional variable range hopping conduction.

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► Carbon coated Fe nanoparticle–PVC composite films were prepared by solution casting method.
► A low electrical percolation threshold of 2.2 was achieved.
► The low temperature electrical conductivity follows variable range hopping type conduction.
► An EMI shielding of 18 dB was achieved in 200 micron thick film.