Acta Phys. -Chim. Sin. ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (10): 100293.doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2026.100293

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A densified conductive network of carbon nanotube-bridged vertical ZnO arrays for enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding, mechanical, and thermal properties of carbon fiber/polymer composites

Xinmeng Huang1, Haoran Zhang1,*(), Mengxin Liu1, Ying Miao1, Zhenxi Yu1, Qi Wu2, Lei Pan1,*()   

  1. 1 College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, Jiangsu Province, China
    2 College of Aerospace Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, Jiangsu Province, China
  • Received:2026-02-13 Revised:2026-03-30 Accepted:2026-03-30 Published:2026-09-03
  • Contact: bettypan@nuaa.edu.cn (Lei Pan)Email: haoranzhang@nuaa.edu.cn (Haoran Zhang)

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Abstract:

In response to the growing demands of advanced electronics with integrated electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and efficient thermal management, this study develops a multifunctional carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite (CFRP) through a biomimetic hierarchical interface design. A multi-level interfacial engineering approach is employed: first, polydopamine activation improves interfacial adhesion; second, vertically-aligned ZnO nanorod (NRs) arrays are grown in situ to provide mechanical interlocking, dielectric loss, and radial heat conduction pathways; finally, a sheet-like carbon nanotube (CNT) network bridges adjacent fibers, forming a densified, continuous conductive framework. This organic-inorganic, "line-plane" coupled architecture results in remarkable multifunctional enhancement: the composite achieves an EMI shielding effectiveness of 30.8 dB in the X-band, a through-plane thermal conductivity of 0.71 W m−1 K−1, and significant mechanical improvements—interlaminar shear strength and flexural strength increased by 57.4% and 84.3%, respectively. Efficient Joule heating and photothermal response are also demonstrated. This work presents a scalable hierarchical interface strategy that synergistically integrates structural, thermal, and electromagnetic functions, offering a viable design pathway for next-generation structural materials in EMI-sensitive applications.

Key words: Carbon fiber, ZnO nanorod, Thermal conductivity, Mechanical property, Electromagnetic interference shielding