Scientists from the Korean Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) have recently made a groundbreaking development in the field of materials science. They have successfully created an ultra-thin film capable of absorbing more than 99% of electromagnetic waves. This exceptional material, with a thickness of less than 0.5 mm, offers protection across a wide spectrum of frequencies, including those utilized in 5G, 6G, Wi-Fi, and radars for autonomous cars. Unlike traditional materials that reflect waves, this new substance absorbs them, significantly reducing interference and enhancing the performance of electronic devices.
Leading the development of this innovative material is senior KIMS researcher Benn Jin Park, who emphasized the increasing importance of such protective materials in light of the rapid advancements in communication technologies like 5G and 6G. Park believes that this development will greatly improve the reliability of devices such as smartphones and autonomous car radars by minimizing interference and enhancing signal stability.
Research findings have demonstrated the remarkable potential of this new material, which can absorb electromagnetic waves with an efficiency exceeding 99%, reflecting less than 1% and covering a broad frequency range. This absorption capability, as opposed to the wave reflection predominantly seen in traditional protective materials, effectively addresses the issue of device interference, which can lead to performance degradation, malfunctions, signal loss, and even security risks.
The KIMS research team achieved this breakthrough by developing a ferrite-based material with a modified crystalline structure that selectively targets waves of specific frequencies. This magnetic substance was then combined with a thin polymer film and applied onto conductive patterns to control wave propagation. To further enhance the material’s protective properties, a carbon nanotube film was added in the final stages of development.
Notably, the new material exhibits excellent flexibility without compromising its protective qualities, making it ideal for integration into flexible devices like foldable phones and wearable electronics. Its high stability and pliability offer versatility for integration into various device designs with different functionality requirements.
The project, supported by the KIMS Institute and the National Scientific and Technical Council, has already yielded patents at both national and international levels. The research outcomes were published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, and the technology has been licensed for integration into products by several companies in the communication and automotive sectors.
With the advent of this advanced material that absorbs electromagnetic waves, numerous possibilities arise for its wide-scale utilization across multiple industries, ranging from consumer electronics to transportation, where device stability and interference reduction are critical factors for optimal performance.