Lightweight and hydrophobic MXene-decorated PP composite fabric inspired by rock for highly efficient electromagnetic interference shielding

The rapid development of wireless communication and electronic equipment requires active measures to eliminate electromagnetic radiation hazards. Based on the layered assembly strategy, MXene-based composite fabric with multiple functional layers was prepared by combining two-dimensional transition metal (MXene) with PP substrate by a simple solution dipping method. PP substrate endowed pure MXene film certain mechanical properties, and polydopamine modification on the surface of PP enhanced the bonding fastness between the substrate and MXene layer. The silicon-containing hydrophobic layer imparted hydrophobic properties to the conductive fabric, thus ensuring the stability of the conductivity of the MXene layer when used in complex environments. The results shown that the conductivity and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of the composite fabric increased with the increased in impregnation times. When the impregnation times were three, the conductivity and EMI SE of the composite fabric were 6.54 S/cm and 32.57 dB, respectively. After hydrophobic treatment, the contact angle of the composite fabric was 140.49°. In addition, the average EMI SE and shielding efficiency still reached 25.12 dB and 99.69%. The excellent EMI shielding capability coupled with favorable bendability endows MXene-based composite fabric to be an alternative choice in electronics, aerospace and smart wearables.