IIT Mandi Researchers’ Develop Eco-friendly Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Solution

New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi researchers have developed a biodegradable natural fibre-containing composite tailored for various applications, specifically in Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding. This material is designed to offer strong EMI shielding while maintaining eco-friendly principles.

Composite materials, which combine two or more substances, have been used since ancient times. Historically, materials like clay and straw were mixed to create composite bricks for construction. Nowadays, natural fibre-reinforced composites, such as jute and hemp, are regaining popularity due to environmental concerns, and are being applied across various sectors.

Composites are increasingly used for Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding. With more electronic devices in use, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) has become a new form of pollution. Such interference affects the functions of electronic systems in industries like radar, military controls, and networking. The EMI shielding materials are important to protect electronic devices and systems from this interference.

A team of researchers from IIT Mandi and VTT Finland, led by Dr Himanshu Pathak and Dr Sunny Zafar, both Associate Professors in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at IIT Mandi, along with their research scholar Aditya Pratap Singh and Dr Siddharth Suman, a Research Scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, has begun on a mission to develop a composite material.

IIT Madras Developed Kenaf Fiber and High-Density Polyethylene 

Further, the IIT Mandi research team has developed a varied mixture comprising kenaf fibre (recognized as Deccan Hemp/Ambari in local languages) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Known for its strength and low density as a natural fibre, Kenaf acts as an optimal reinforcement material, augmenting the mechanical properties of the composite while diminishing its environmental impact. Also, the HDPE, a commonly utilised recyclable plastic, adds to the composite's eco-friendly characteristics.

The composite must be an electrical conductor for EMI shielding. The researchers have included carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to confer electrical conductivity to their composite. A combination of 16 percent kenaf fibre and 5 percent CNTs was also found to exhibit superior EMI shielding, surpassing 30 dB, and exceptional mechanical strength.

Commenting about the developed composite, Dr Himanshu Pathak, Associate Professor, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, IIT Mandi, said that cultivating a sustainable future demands innovation that enhances performance while minimising environmental impact. The researchers’ work in developing eco-friendly EMI shielding materials combines technological advancement with ecological responsibility. 

Earlier, in the past, EMI shielding was dependent on metals but suffered from drawbacks such as limited flexibility, high weight, and susceptibility to corrosion. In recent decades, researchers have moved their focus to plastic-composite materials due to their inherent flexibility, lightweight nature, ease of processing, chemical resistance, and scalability to address these shortcomings in metal-based shielding materials.

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