Optimizing BHF/PVDF composites via compression molding for high-frequency applications and electromagnetic shielding

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) poses significant challenges to the reliable operation of communication systems, medical devices, and electronic equipment, often resulting in signal degradation, data loss, and equipment failure. To mitigate these issues, this study investigates the development of barium hexaferrite (BHF)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composites, synthesized via compression molding, to optimize their electrical and magnetic properties for high-frequency EMI shielding applications. Through comprehensive characterization, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and vector network analysis (VNA), we demonstrate that increasing the BHF content within the composites enhances their complex permittivity, impedance matching, and attenuation coefficients, making them highly effective for EMI shielding. Notably, the composite containing 20 wt% PVDF achieved a reflection loss (RL) of −42 dB at a thickness of 2 mm, indicating superior shielding effectiveness. These results underscore the potential of BHF/PVDF composites as a viable solution for advanced EMI suppression in high-frequency electronic and military applications, combining economic feasibility with robust performance.