Iron Oxide Fe3O4 Nanoparticles with Intrinsic Conducting Polymers and Biochar to Improve the Electromagnetic Shielding Performance of Light Weight Absorption-Type Materials

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) can be dispersed in a supporting material so that the composite can better respond to electromagnetic fields, absorbing a part of their energy. In the discussion here proposed we will consider the role of these nanoparticles in applications for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Inserted in intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) for instance, the nanoparticles are increasing EMI shielding effectiveness of polymer, producing light weight "absorption-type" shields, which are specifically relevant for absorbing microwaves. Encapsulation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with polypyrrole and polyaniline will be described in detail and the recent biochar-based composites, Fe3O4@biochar, will be discussed too.