All-in-One Asymmetric Conductive Ni-P/Polyaniline/Polyester Composite Fabric for High-Efficiency Electromagnetic Interference Shielding With Low-Reflection Characteristics

High-efficiency electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding fabrics with strong absorption and low reflection characteristics are urgently demanded to address the increasing electromagnetic radiation pollution, but it is still challenging to integrate these features onto single fabric. Herein, an all-in-one asymmetric conductive structure was constructed on 3D polyester fiber-based spacer fabric through a successive in situ polymerization of polyaniline and followed by localized electroless Ni–P plating process. Thanks to the synergistic effect of microwave absorbing layer of low-conductivity polyaniline coating and shielding reflection layer of highly conductive Ni-P plating, the incident electromagnetic waves undergo a process of “absorption–reflection–reabsorption” and are dissipated as much as possible when they propagate into the composite fabric. The resultant composite fabric shows a superior EMI SE over 60 dB within 18–40 GHz, whereas the EMI SE from reflection is only 1.6 dB, and the average reflectivity is as low as 0.31, which indicates that 69% of electromagnetic waves are absorbed in the fabric. Interestingly, the porous structure of substrate and highly conductive Ni–P plating also endow this fabric with good thermal insulation and low infrared emissivity, resulting in an excellent infrared stealth performance. This study provides a facile and feasible approach for the development of high-efficiency and multifunctional EMI shielding fabric with low-reflection characteristics that holds great promise for application in civil and military fields.