Dual-functional natural-fiber reinforced composites by incorporating magnetite. (15th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xia, Changlei; Wang, Kaili; Dong, Youming; Zhang, Shifeng; Shi, Sheldon Q.; Cai, Liping; Ren, Han; Zhang, Hualiang; Li, Jianzhang
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 93(2016)
• Page Start: 221
• Page End: 228
• Publication Date: 2016-05-15
• Subjects: A. Fibres -- B. Magnetic properties -- E. Resin transfer moulding (RTM) -- Water resistance; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2016.03.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-8368

Abstract

Abstract: Natural fiber reinforced composites with dual-functional properties, including electromagnetic shielding and paramagnetic functions, as well as improved water-resistant property, were fabricated using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. Magnetite particles were firstly mixed with kenaf fibers to form a mat, followed by resin intrusion and compression for the composite fabrication. The obtained kenaf fiber/magnetite/polyester composites were endowed with electromagnetic shielding and paramagnetic properties, without compromising the mechanical properties. When 35.2% magnetite was incorporated into the composites, the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness reached 79.2% with the range 8–12 GHz, and the saturation magnetization was 29.2 emu g −1 . The 24-h thickness swelling and water absorption of the composites after introducing magnetite were drastically reduced from 19.7% to 2.4% and 18.3% to 2.6%, counting as the decreases of 87.6% and 73.4%, respectively. It was indicated that the water resistance of the composite was improved significantly.