Multifunctional Aramid Nanofiber/MXene/Aramid Fiber Composite Fabric with Outstanding EMI Shielding Performance

Developing aramid fiber (AF) with electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties is of significant importance for expanding their applications in the military, aerospace, and industrial sectors. Current research on the EMI shielding properties of AF often encounters challenges such as structural damage to the fibers and inadequate shielding performance. In this study, we used vacuum-assisted filtration technology to sequentially deposit aramid nanofiber (ANF) and MXene onto the surface of AF fabric, thus preparing ANF/MXene/AF composite fabric. MXene, with its large specific surface area and excellent electrical conductivity, was used in conjunction with ANF, which acts as an intermediate layer to effectively filter MXene and improve the interfacial adhesion between the MXene and AF. The results showed that, under the combined effects of reflection and absorption, the A20M40 sample achieved an average EMI SE of 78.1 dB in the X-band, meeting the EMI shielding requirements for both civilian and military applications. Additionally, the ANF/MXene/AF composite fabric exhibited excellent electrothermal conversion performance (surface temperature reached 120 °C within 32 s under 5 V) and photothermal performance (surface temperature reached 85 °C after 145 s of exposure to 1500 W/m2 light intensity). Furthermore, the flame-retardant performance of the ANF/MXene/AF composite fabric was significantly enhanced compared to the pure AF fabric due to the physical barrier effect of MXene.