Innovation in Methods for Incorporating Magnetite into Biocellulose for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness Applications

Materials with magnetic properties are essential in various electric sector technologies. However, the generation of pollutants is of concern, increasing the interest in developing new sustainable, low-cost magnetic materials. These materials have notable applications in protecting against electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can lead to health problems as well as environmental pollution. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to produce a sustainable magnetic polymer using different methods of magnetite incorporation, investigate its magnetic properties, and determine its EMI shielding potential. The magnetic BC materials were obtained via in situ and ex situ magnetic incorporation in processed BC membranes and BC hydrogels. Analyses were carried out using XRD, FTIR, SEM, and VSM, and tests were performed to assess electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE). The results revealed that the magnetite incorporation method influences the final size of nanoparticles, the arrangement among BC fibers, and the magnetic properties. Materials produced from processed BC had a higher percentage of incorporated magnetite and greater magnetic saturation, whereas those containing nanoparticles with a larger diameter had a stronger coercive field. Although samples did not have high EMI SE, magnetite increased the wave reflection and absorption of the material. This biomaterial can drive important innovations in the energy sector, particularly in efficient and ecological electrical infrastructure.