A short review on toughened epoxy based nanocomposites for EMI shields

Modern era devices and appliances require shielding from electromagnetic interference to ensure stable and efficient functioning. This is all the more pertinent in view of the safety and protection of electronic gadgets used in defence security equipment. It has been observed that the most prominent radiations of EMI fall in the range of microwave (GHz) and radio waves (MHz). Those materials which protect equipment from electromagnetic interference are called EMI shields, since they shield the equipment by eitherreflecting, absorbing or transmitting the electromagnetic radiation. However, not all materials can be used as EMI shields. The basic material requirement to be used as EMI shields include good magnetic permeability and dielectric properties as well as strong mechanical properties. Currently EMI shields made up of metals or silicones are used in the form of solid enclosures, cables, gaskets, O-rings, films, coatings, fabrics, tapes etc. With time and research new advanced lightweight materials have been developed which have shown potential for use as EMI shields. These include carbonaceous and ferrite nanofillers based polymer nanocomposites. These materials are unique because they provide shielding for a wide range of microwave frequency 2-18 GHz by a judicious choice of conductive, dielectric and magnetic nanofillers. The present review article provides an overview of the research work carried out on toughened epoxy (epoxy modified with other polymers) filled with multifunctional nanoparticles and their characterization for EMI shielding efficiency. Various factors and features have been critically analysed in this article. The entire focus of the article is aimed atToughened epoxy as a base matrix which cansupport EMI shielding in the complete frequency range of 2-18 GHz and overcome inherent disadvantages of non-toughened epoxy.