A Study on the Possibility of Using Iron Scale in the Construction of Electromagnetic Field Shields

Abstract

Electromagnetic radiation can have a negative effect on electronic circuits, for example, by disrupting their work and communication. Therefore, there is a need to reduce or eliminate electromagnetic interference using shields. This paper focuses on using waste materials in the form of iron scale, which is easy and inexpensive to obtain for shielding. Iron scale is the result of gaseous or aqueous corrosion, due to which a superficial layer of metal oxides formed on the surface of heated metal objects as a result of their contact with air or water during an industrial process is developed. In this study, morphology, chemical, and phase composition measurements were carried out. The results show that all the iron-based materials investigated are mainly composed of iron oxides and pure iron. The polymer–iron composites with different quantitative and qualitative compositions were prepared to verify the shielding effectiveness. The electrical resistance, impact strength, and magnetic properties were measured, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and tensile strength tests were performed. The tests confirmed the suitability of iron scale for the construction of electromagnetic field shielding material. Iron scale is cheap and easy to obtain from iron-based waste materials. The developed composites are easy to form and use recycled material.