Orthogonally structured graphene nanointerface for lightweight SiC nanowire-based nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and electromagnetic-interference shielding properties

Interface design is an effective strategy for developing advanced composite materials, especially nanocomposites with optimized structural nanointerfaces with better properties. Herein, smart orthogonally structured graphene (OSG) nanointerfaces with designed multi-functions were fabricated for the first time in three-dimensional (3D) SiC nanowires (SiCnw) foam to yield hybrid nano-preforms. The as-obtained OSG nanointerfaces showed excellent electrical conductivity and unique orthogonal structure, which did not only act as highways for electron transport but also as smart interfacial energy traps for the capture and deflection of cracks. Hence, hybrid nano-preforms provided dual outstanding advantage over conventional SiCnw foam for reinforcing pyrocarbon (PyC) and yield materials with higher mechanical strength and electromagnetic-interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness. Compared to baseline without nanointerface, the 0.12 wt% OSG nanointerface significantly increased the flexural strength and EMI shielding effectiveness by 101% and 54%, respectively. These findings demonstrated the promising prospects of OSG nanointerface as necessary components for advanced mechanical-strong and high-performance EMI shielding nanocomposites.