Synergistic Advancements: PANI-Coated Short Nylon Fibers for Enhanced Mechanical and Dielectric Properties in Natural Rubber Conducting Polymer Composites

Diving into the dynamic realm of microwave technology, this study explores the potential applications of natural rubber (NR)-based conducting polymer composites (CPCs) with a focus on their dielectric and heating properties for high-frequency applications. Seeking to bolster mechanical strength, short nylon fibers are exclusively integrated into the F series (NR, polyaniline (PANI) and polyaniline coated fibres (PANI-N), while the P series (NR and polyaniline (PANI)) comprises only PANI. Investigating both series reveals intriguing dielectric behaviors: dielectric permittivity increases with frequency, reaching 35 (P series) and 11.6 (F series) at 12.7 GHz, influenced by filler loadings. Loss tangent exhibits distinctive trends, rising with PANI loading and decreasing with PANI-N loading. The heating coefficient displays complex behavior in both series, correlating with frequency and loading variations. Furthermore, conductivity and absorption coefficients increase with frequency, optimizing at 12.7 GHz and specific loadings. This pioneering work underscores the synergistic potential of PANI-N in achieving a delicate balance between superior mechanical and microwave properties in NR-based CPCs.