Multifunctional MXene film–embedded GFRP composites: Enabling EMI shielding and efficient electrothermal de-icing

In this work, we developed an efficient Ti 3 C 2 T x -based MXene film using vacuum-assisted filtration (VAF) and dry casting methods. The manufactured MXene films were embedded into glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites via a resin infusion process, eliminating the need for multilayer matrix systems to stabilize MXene. The resulting MXene-embedded GFRP composites feature a unique architecture that imparts substantial surface conductivity to an otherwise highly insulating GFRP substrate, without compromising its structural integrity. The conductive surface enabled by the VAF-produced MXene film (~12 μm thickness) exhibited excellent electrical conductivity (4100 S/cm) and good tensile strength of 52 MPa, resulting in a multifunctional GFRP composite system. The VAF-MXene film embedded GFRP composites achieved an electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of 41.46 dB at room temperature. In addition, the VAF-MXene GFRP composites achieved satisfactory mechanical performance, with tensile strength and modulus reaching up to 141 MPa and 9.2 GPa, respectively, along with an interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of 31.25 MPa. Beyond their EMI shielding performance, these composites also exhibit good heat dissipation capability, enabling a temperature change of 100 °C within 32 s, making them highly attractive for de-icing applications. Overall, this work presents a promising approach for developing next-generation industrial materials suited to extreme environmental conditions and offers a viable strategy for designing high-performance, structurally stable EMI-shielding systems with integrated de-icing functionality. • High-performance MXene film embedded -GFRP composites were prepared via resin infusion, eliminating the need for multilayer stabilizers. • The MXene-GFRP composite exhibited excellent surface electrical conductivity of 4100 S/cm using 12 μm MXene films. • Multifunctional MXene-GFRP composites demonstrated a robust EMI shielding effectiveness of 43 dB with tensile strength of 141 MPa. • Rapid electro thermal response (100 °C in 32 s) makes the material attractive for advanced de-icing applications.