This material not only outperforms traditional shielding by minimizing secondary interference but also offers flexibility and durability, making it ideal for use in next-gen devices like rollable smartphones and wearables.
The research team from the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) has announced an breakthrough in electromagnetic wave absorption technology. The team developed the world’s first ultra-thin composite film capable of absorbing over 99% of electromagnetic waves across multiple frequency bands, including 5G/6G, WiFi, and autonomous vehicle radar.Electronic devices emit electromagnetic waves that can interfere with the performance of nearby systems. Traditional shielding materials attempt to block these waves, but they mainly reflect them, often absorbing only around 10%. Moreover, conventional materials are limited to targeting a single frequency band, posing a challenge in today’s multi-band communication environments.
The research team addressed these issues with a novel composite material that absorbs electromagnetic waves across diverse frequencies, eliminating interference more effectively than reflective shielding. This innovation reduces secondary interference caused by reflected waves, ensuring smoother communication between devices.The material offers unique advantages—it is lightweight, ultra-thin, and highly flexible, maintaining its performance even after being folded thousands of times. This makes it ideal for next-generation technologies like rollable smartphones and wearable devices. The team achieved this by modifying the crystal structure of ferrite, creating a magnetic material capable of selectively absorbing targeted frequencies.
A polymer composite film was then developed, integrating conductive patterns on its back to control electromagnetic wave propagation. By adjusting these patterns, the team minimized reflection across specific frequencies. Additionally, a carbon nanotube layer was applied to enhance the film’s shielding capabilities.This material will play a crucial role as 5G/6G networks expand, improving the reliability of wireless communication in devices like smartphones and autonomous vehicle sensors. The team has secured patents in South Korea, with applications underway in the U.S., China, and other regions. The technology has already been transferred to domestic material companies and is being integrated into commercial communication devices and automobiles, marking a significant step forward in electromagnetic interference management.
