Dual-functional carbonized loofah@GNSs-CNTs reinforced by cyanate ester composite with highly efficient electromagnetic interference shielding and thermal management

Using natural non-polluting raw materials to develop absorption-based electromagnetic interference shielding composites is significantly desirable. Herein, a novel kind of carbonized loofah@graphene nanosheets (GNSs)-carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/epoxy resin modified cyanate ester (CL@GC/CE) composites were successfully prepared through high-temperature carbonization and variable temperature curing process, which show the absorption-based electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance. The as-prepared composites present a favorable electrical conductivity of 32.66 S/cm, exceptional EMI shielding efficiency of 35.57 dB in conjunction with a high absorption coefficient of 0.58. The main reasons for the excellent absorption capacity and EMI shielding performance of the CL@GC/CE composites are the good impedance matching performance of carbonized loofah sponge with a 3D conductive framework, and the multiple reflection scattering and interface polarization effect between the conductive framework and GNSs-CNTs. In view of the remarkable comprehensive properties, the low-cost biomass-derived carbon composites are highly promising materials for practical EMI shielding applications in the fields of telecommunication and aerospace.