Issue 27, 2025

Triphasic ATH@rGO-CoFe2O4 hybrid nanofiller-integrated waterborne polyurethane composites for dual functionality: fire retardancy and EMI shielding

Abstract

This study introduces a novel bifunctional composite of waterborne polyurethane (wPU) integrating with the ATH@rGO-CoFe2O4 core@shell hybrid nanofiller, which is synthesized by encapsulating aluminum trihydrate (ATH) with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and subsequently depositing CoFe2O4 nanoparticles. The uniform dispersion of the hybrid nanofiller within the wPU matrix as facilitated by APTES functionalization results in significant enhancement in mechanical, thermal, fire-retardant, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties. Mechanical tests indicate optimal tensile strength and Young's modulus at a filler loading of 10 wt%, along with an equilibrium between strength and elongation. Thermal analyses reveal enhanced thermal stability due to the synergistic effects of the high thermal conductivity derived from rGO and water-release behavior caused by ATH, thereby leading to an increased LOI% of 26.8 and a V-2 rating of UL-94 testing. EMI shielding efficacy demonstrated good performance, driven by the conductive rGO network and impedance-matching capabilities of CoFe2O4, achieving a maximum shielding efficiency of 21.42 dB at a filler loading of 30 wt%. This study corroborates the potential of the ATH@rGO-CoFe2O4 hybrid nanofiller in developing high-performance polymer composites that provide distinctive advances of mechanical strength, thermal stability, fire retardancy, and EMI shielding for cutting-edge applications, such as flexible electronics, protective coatings, and sustainable materials.

Graphical abstract: Triphasic ATH@rGO-CoFe2O4 hybrid nanofiller-integrated waterborne polyurethane composites for dual functionality: fire retardancy and EMI shielding

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
21 Mar 2025
Accepted
06 Jun 2025
First published
10 Jun 2025

Nanoscale, 2025,17, 16503-16514

Triphasic ATH@rGO-CoFe2O4 hybrid nanofiller-integrated waterborne polyurethane composites for dual functionality: fire retardancy and EMI shielding

T. E. Somesh, S. Balamurugan, W. Son, J. Zhao, D. T. Tran, N. H. Kim and J. H. Lee, Nanoscale, 2025, 17, 16503 DOI: 10.1039/D5NR01172H

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