Posted on 11/27/2024 6:42:48 AM PST by Red Badger
A new composite material developed by KIMS researchers absorbs over 99% of electromagnetic waves from different frequencies, improving the performance of devices like smartphones and wearables.
A team of scientists from the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) has developed the world’s first ultra-thin film composite material capable of absorbing over 99% of electromagnetic waves from various frequency bands, including 5G/6G, WiFi, and autonomous driving radar, using a single material.
This novel electromagnetic wave absorption and shielding material is less than 0.5mm thick and is characterized by its low reflectance of less than 1% and high absorbance of over 99% across three different frequency bands.
Conceptual Diagram of New Electromagnetic Wave Absorption and Shielding Material A conceptual diagram of the electromagnetic wave absorption and shielding material developed by the research team, along with the designed conductive pattern. Credit: Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS)
Challenges in Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Electromagnetic waves emitted by electronic components can cause interference, leading to performance degradation in nearby electronic devices. Electromagnetic shielding materials are used to prevent this, and absorbing electromagnetic waves is more effective at reducing interference than merely reflecting them. However, conventional electromagnetic shielding materials reflect over 90% of the waves, with an actual absorbance often as low as 10%. Moreover, materials with higher absorbance are typically limited to absorbing electromagnetic waves within a single frequency band.
Advancements in Multi-Frequency Absorption
To overcome these limitations, the research team developed a composite material that can absorb electromagnetic waves across multiple frequency bands simultaneously. This technology absorbs and eliminates electromagnetic waves, resolving secondary interference issues. The material is also thin, flexible, and durable enough to maintain its shape even after being folded and unfolded thousands of times, making it suitable for rollable phones and wearable devices.
KIMS New Electromagnetic Wave Absorption and Shielding Material
The electromagnetic wave absorption and shielding material developed by the research team, showing its thin and flexible form & its shape remaining intact even after 5,000 bending tests. Credit: Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS)
Enhancements in Material Technology and Applications
The team, led by Dr. Byeongjin Park and Dr. Sang Bok Lee from the Composites & Convergence Materials Research Division at KIMS, synthesized a magnetic material by altering the crystal structure of ferrite, enabling it to selectively absorb desired frequencies. They produced an ultra-thin polymer composite film and incorporated conductive patterns on the film’s back side to control the propagation of electromagnetic waves. By adjusting the shape of the conductive pattern, electromagnetic wave reflection at specific frequencies can be dramatically reduced. A carbon nanotube thin film with high shielding properties was also applied to the back to further enhance the material’s electromagnetic wave shielding capabilities.
Senior Researcher Byeongjin Park of KIMS, who led the project, commented, “As the applications of 5G/6G communications continue to expand, the importance of electromagnetic wave absorption and shielding materials is growing.” He added, “This material has the potential to significantly improve the reliability of wireless communication devices such as smartphones and autonomous vehicle radars.”
Reference: “Absorption-Dominant Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding across Multiple mmWave Bands Using Conductive Patterned Magnetic Composite and Double-Walled Carbon Nanotube Film” by Byeongjin Park, Sosan Hwang, Horim Lee, Yeonsu Jung, Taehoon Kim, Suk Jin Kwon, Dawoon Jung and Sang-bok Lee, 28 May 2024, Advanced Functional Materials. DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202406197
This research was funded by KIMS’ fundamental research projects and the Electromagnetic Solution Integrated Research Group (SEIF) under the National Research Council of Science & Technology. The findings were published as the cover article in the October 1st edition of the internationally renowned journal Advanced Functional Materials (first author: Dr. Byeongjin Park). The research team has completed domestic patent registration and has also applied for patents in the U.S., China, and other countries. Additionally, the technology has been transferred to several domestic material companies, and it is currently being applied to actual communication devices and automobiles.
Ping!...................
So.. is this capable of making planes, tanks, missiles and people electronically invisible?
Stealth F-16s?
“A new composite material developed by KIMS researchers absorbs over 99% of electromagnetic waves from different frequencies, improving the performance of devices like smartphones and wearables.”
99% = 20dB
Not terribly impressive.
Thx for posting this. Of interest.
Opponents of Magneto are lining up to buy it
Sounds more like a viable solution for protection of critical infrastructure against EMP attacks.
Ah the joys of capitalism. Think this could happen under socialism?
I have a sportsync radio that delays the radio signal for football games on the tube. Could that eliminate the need for that kind of radio?
It will save on tin foil...............
Will they make a car cover?
My thought too.
“All Electromagnetic Waves”
“high absorbance of over 99% across three different frequency bands”
Not nearly the same thing. I hate to be pedantic, but I’m going to be pedantic.
Cool, when we remodel that will go in before the insulation.
I bet it is very expensive and suitable for using small pieces inside electronic devices like cell phones.
I would like large sheets of it to line my bedroom.
How about a Whole House cover?
:-)
Oh sure, it’s all beer and skittles until the Romulans turn it into a cloaking device...
You were lucky it didn’t absorb this post.
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