Integrated approach for improving mechanical performance and EMI shielding of CFRE via surface-modified MXene

Achieving high electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness alongside outstanding mechanical properties remains a notable challenge for carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy (CFRE) composites. Herein, an efficient method for interface modification is proposed to produce hybrid CFREs with enhanced EMI shielding capabilities and exceptional mechanical properties. This study introduces the fabrication of CFRE composites incorporating APTES-modified MXene sheets into the epoxy matrix (AM-CFRE), demonstrating significant improvements in structural integrity and EMI-shielding performance. Compared to pristine CFRE (P-CFRE), AM-CFRE exhibits enhanced mechanical properties with a 39.63%, 35.41%, 65.01%, 29.71%, 34.9%, and 34.21% increase in tensile strength, Young's modulus, tensile toughness, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and short beam strength, respectively. Furthermore, AM-CFRE demonstrates a ~50% improvement in EMI shielding effectiveness in the X-band compared to P-CFRE. The lightweight AM-CFRE structure, with strong mechanical strength and remarkable EMI shielding, shows great potential for various applications, particularly in protecting avionics within the aerospace and defense industries. Highlights: MXene was synthesized via HF etching, and its surface was modified with APTES. Hybrid CFRE was made with an epoxy system containing surface-modified MXene. Exceptional mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties were achieved in Hybrid CFRE. AM-CFRE achieves EMI shielding effectiveness of 25.36 dB in the X-band.