Designing, modeling, and multi-response optimization of Ni/Co-coated carbon fibers for electromagnetic shielding and electrothermal applications

Abstract

Background

Magnetic nanoparticle-coated carbon fibers have attracted lots of research for their electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. This research is focused on optimizing the coating process of Ni/Co alloy nanoparticles on carbon fiber surfaces to achieve suitable properties including electrical conductivity, EMI shielding, and electrothermal.

Methods

The effects of deposition time (60–180 s) and current density (2–6 A/dm²) on Ni/Co loading amount, electrical conductivity, and shielding effectiveness (SE) are investigated using the response surface method (RSM). By using the RSM method, a mathematical model is introduced for each of the parameters of load value results, electrical conductivity, and SE and this model is validated with statistical methods.

Significant findings

The current density, contrary to the effect of plating time, SE value first developments with the increase of the current from 2 A/dm² to 4 A/dm², Then, by increasing the current density from 4 A/dm² to 6 A/dm², SE reaches its lowest level. The optimal sample is selected with a plating time of 180 s and a current density of 3.2 A/dm². The amount of Ni/Co loading, electrical conductivity, and SE of the optimal sample are 6.15 ± 0.11 %, 625.64 ± 39.55 S/cm, and 63.8 ± 0.8 dB, respectively. The electrothermal results show that voltage changes from 0.7 to 3.4 V lead to optimized sample temperature changes from 32.0 to 286.0 °C, thus making this fabric attractive for specific applications.