Development of carbon nanofibers reinforced with carbon nanotubes and graphene

• Grant number: 24/04324-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Fabio Roberto Passador
• Grantee: Felipe Carlos dos Reis
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) among electronic devices in the same environment is of utmost importance to prevent malfunctions and noise in equipment. However, the increasing proliferation of highly technological electronic products can lead to electromagnetic interference (EMI), affecting the performance of devices and the quality of life of living beings. Thus, the study of new means to reduce and/or eliminate the adverse effects of EMI is a growing trend. Nanofibers are promising candidates in this segment due to their multifunctionality, associated with low specific mass, factors that motivate this study in investigating mechanisms for attenuating electromagnetic waves in porous blankets. To achieve this, carbon nanofiber blankets will be obtained through electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solution in dimethylformamide (DMF), containing graphene and/or carbon nanotubes (CNT), followed by carbonization to form a three-dimensional network of carbon nanofibers containing CNT and/or graphene. The carbon particles will be characterized regarding their morphologies, compositions, and structures. During the different stages up to the carbonization of PAN nanofibers (electrospinning, stabilization, and carbonization), samples will be studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal analyses, and morphological analysis. After the carbonization of the blankets, the obtained carbonaceous material will be characterized regarding its electrical and electromagnetic properties in the range of 8.2 to 12.4 GHz, aiming to evaluate the potential of the materials obtained in electromagnetic shielding in the X-band.