Dielectric properties of functionalized natural fiber reinforced electromagnetic composite with reduced graphene oxide nanofiller for microwave absorption

Abstract The integration of 5G technology with advanced electronic devices has intensified electromagnetic pollution concerns, necessitating materials capable of mitigating electromagnetic interference (EMI). This has spurred the development of sustainable alternatives, surpassing conventional synthetic and ferrite materials. Natural fibers, when combined with nanomaterials, exhibit unique properties suitable for EMI shielding. Sugarcane bagasse fiber (SBF), in conjunction with nanofillers such as reduced graphene oxide (rGO), provides a sustainable, lightweight, and eco‐friendly solution for absorbing electromagnetic waves. This study explores the effects of SBF particle size and rGO integration on dielectric and microwave absorption properties. Experimental findings highlight that the EPSB 150 @1%rGO composite (150 μm SBF with 1 wt% rGO) achieved a maximum dielectric constant (ε′) of 6.62 at 8 GHz, outperforming EPSB@1%rGO (ε′ = 5.45), indicating enhanced charge storage. The dielectric loss (ε″) peaked at 0.41 for EPSB@1%rGO, reflecting superior energy dissipation from interfacial polarization. Reflection loss (RL) calculations revealed improved microwave absorption of −20.07 dB at 12.4 GHz for EPSB 150 @1%rGO, compared to −15 dB for EPSB@1%rGO, signifying effective EM wave attenuation. These results demonstrate that reduced SBF particle size combined with rGO incorporation significantly enhances dielectric and microwave absorption properties, establishing these composites as promising candidates for EMI shielding and stealth technologies. Highlights 5G technology raises EMI pollution, needing sustainable shielding materials. Sugarcane fiber combined with rGO forms eco‐friendly EMI shielding composite. EPSB 150 @1%rGO max ε′ = 6.62 at 8 GHz, surpassing conventional composites. Reflection loss of −20.07 dB at 12.4 GHz, high EM wave attenuation. EPSB 150 @1% rGO boost dielectric and microwave absorption.