Abstract: Polypropylene (PP) composites are often enhanced with fillers to meet industry demands and reduce costs, improving both mechanical properties and cost-effectiveness. This study explores a PP composite with a negative ion releasing agent, prepared in varying amounts. Tests revealed that increased agent content improved Young’s modulus and yield strength but decreased elongation at break and impact toughness. Thermal stability was also significantly enhanced. The composite offers strong mechanical properties, improved conductivity, antioxidant capacity, and thermal stability, making it suitable for electronics, medical devices, and other industrial applications. These advantages highlight its potential for further development in high-performance PP composites.

Abstract: This study explores the development and application of gallium based liquid metal silicon composite materials in battery packs, addressing their mechanical, electrical, and electromagnetic shielding properties. The rapid development of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies requires improving the performance and safety of battery systems. Gallium based liquid metals are renowned for their excellent conductivity and thermal properties, but they face challenges such as oxidation and flow control. To alleviate these issues, we studied a composite material of gallium and silicon, which is a polymer known for its insulation and heat resistance. The preparation process involves mixing gallium with silica gel and carbon black, followed by a systematic mold creation and curing process. Characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrical signal analysis, and mechanical testing are used to evaluate the microstructure and properties of composite materials. The results showed that the integration of gallium significantly improved the tensile strength and elongation at break, with the best performance observed at the Ga6 mass fraction. In addition, composite materials exhibit responsive electrical behavior under pressure and strain, indicating their potential for real-time monitoring applications in battery systems. Electromagnetic shielding assessment reveals strong protection against electromagnetic interference over a wide frequency range, highlighting the multifunctionality of composite materials in different operating environments. Overall, gallium based liquid metal silicon composite materials are expected to improve the safety, reliability, and performance of battery packs, paving the way for future research on optimizing the material composition of advanced energy storage solutions.

Abstract: This research successfully developed a composite material that integrates a flexible carbon fiber fabric (CF) with copper nanoflakes (Cu) and an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) layer (P-EVA/Cu@CF), designed for superior electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and self-healing capabilities. The material’s innovative preparation process involves the integration of carbon fiber fabric (CF) as the base, copper nanoflakes for enhanced conductivity, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) for flexibility and self-repair, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for a hydrophobic surface. The CF fabric is sprayed with a copper nanoflake suspension, followed by lamination with EVA mesh and the application of a PTFE layer to create a robust, hydrophobic epidermal layer. This meticulous fabrication method ensures a layered structure that is pivotal for the material’s multifunctional properties. The P-EVA/Cu@CF material exhibited remarkable EMI shielding effectiveness, with over 40 dB across the X-band frequency range, making it highly effective in blocking electromagnetic waves. This exceptional performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of the conductive copper nanoflakes and the carbon fiber fabric. Mechanical testing revealed a fracture strength of 1600 MPa and a Young’s modulus of 3.8 GPa, indicating that the added components did not compromise the material’s inherent mechanical strength. Moreover, the material’s self-healing capability was demonstrated through the rapid restoration of its hydrophobic state within 30 s under a 9V voltage, showcasing its potential for sustainable and durable applications in extreme environments. In the future, the P-EVA/Cu@CF composite material, with its advanced preparation process and multifunctional attributes, stands out as an ideal candidate for applications in aerospace, automotive, marine, and wind energy sectors where high-performance materials with robust shielding and self-repair functionalities are critical.