Microwave absorbing rubber composites containing carbon black and aluminum powder

Abstract Natural rubber (NR), epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), and chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) composites filled with conductive carbon black and aluminum powder have been prepared by using a two‐roll mill. An electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of those rubber composites was carried out in the frequency range of 8–12GHz (X‐band microwave). The increase of filler loading enhanced shielding effectiveness of the rubber composites. Conductive carbon black was more effective in shielding than aluminum powder. Binary filler‐filled rubber composites showed higher shielding effectiveness than that of single filler‐filled rubber composites. It has been observed that the shielding effectiveness of these rubber composites could be ranked in the following order: ENR ≥ CSM > NR, whereas the mechanical properties of the rubber composites were in the order of CSM > ENR > NR. The correlation between shielding effectiveness and electrical conductivity as well as mechanical properties of the rubber composites are also discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007