Study of the interaction between polymer composites produced by additive manufacturing and electromagnetic radiation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30857/2786-5371.2026.2.6Keywords:
additive manufacturing, conductive polymer composites, thermoplastic polyurethane, electromagnetic radiation, polyethylene terephthalate glycolAbstract
Purpose. Determination of the frequency-dependent electromagnetic wave reflection characteristics of polymer composites containing electrically conductive fillers, depending on their composition and the spatial structure created by additive manufacturing.
Methodology. The reflectivity of electrically conductive polymer composites with respect to electromagnetic radiation was determined using a developed methodology based on measuring the reduction in the intensity of the reflected signal in the 3–14 GHz frequency range.
Findings. This article examines the interaction of samples of electrically conductive polymer composites of various compositions and structures with electromagnetic radiation, specifically considering the influence of material thickness, filler type, and polymer matrix on the degree of reduction in reflected signal intensity. The highest electromagnetic radiation absorption intensity is demonstrated by samples with a thickness that is a multiple of the wavelength at a frequency of 10 GHz (e.g., 10 mm), a “line” structure (“0°/90°”), and a loading density of about 5%, corresponding to a cell size of ~3.1×3.1 cm. The best results were recorded in the 9–11 GHz range, where attenuation values exceeded –45 dB for TPU- and PETG-based composites.
Originality. It has been established that TPU-based composites exhibit a more pronounced reduction in specular reflectance compared to PETG-based composites, which is likely due to more effective interfacial interaction between the polyurethane matrix and the fillers, as well as with greater mobility of the polymer chains, which promotes the formation of conductive percolation channels.
Practical value. The study investigated the effect of the composition and structure of conductive polymer composites on their electromagnetic radiation reflection characteristics. It was found that the absorption properties of 3D-printed conductive polymer composites can be specifically controlled by varying the geometry of their internal structure.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Олександр СЛЄПЦОВ, Богдан САВЧЕНКО, Надія СОВА, Тарас ФЕДОРІВ, Ірина ВИШТАЛЮК
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