Abstract
The development of advanced functional materials for electromagnetic radiation shielding requires a detailed understanding of light–matter and wave–matter interactions at both molecular and microstructural levels. In this work, advanced optical and spectroscopic techniques are applied to investigate elastomer matrices – such as Natural rubber (NR), Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), and Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) – reinforced with magnetically active and hybrid filler systems.
Vibrational spectroscopic methods, including Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, are employed to probe molecular bond dynamics, cross-link density evolution, and interfacial chemical interactions between elastomer chains and the magnetic/hybrid filler surfaces. Variations in characteristic absorption bands and Raman shifts are analyzed to evaluate structural modifications and interphase formation within the composite network, which are critical for maintaining mechanical integrity while achieving functional shielding properties. UV-Vis spectroscopy is further utilized to assess the optical response and electronic transitions, providing insight into the material’s behavior when exposed to various ranges of radiation.
At the microstructural scale, optical microscopy and spectral imaging are combined with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to evaluate filler distribution, dispersion quality, and the morphology of hybrid filler–matrix interfaces. Given the specific requirements for electromagnetic shielding, SEM analysis enables detailed observation of the formation of conductive or magnetic networks and potential agglomeration phenomena, allowing for a direct correlation between microstructural organization and shielding efficiency.
By integrating molecular-level vibrational analysis with microstructural imaging, this study demonstrates how optical and laser-based techniques enable non-destructive, multi-scale characterization of new magnetic rubber composites. The results highlight the capability of photonic diagnostic methods to quantitatively link structural evolution with functional performance, supporting the research and development of high-performance polymer systems designed for effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection.
Biography
Ján Kruželák is an Associate Professor at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology. His research focuses on the development and characterization of advanced elastomer materials, with a particular emphasis on functional composites, hybrid filler systems, and magnetically active materials. He specializes in investigating complex chemical and physical interactions within polymer matrices using advanced spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. His current research activities are centered on the design of smart rubber composites for electromagnetic radiation shielding and the multi-scale characterization of high-performance polymer systems using non-destructive photonic diagnostic methods. Dr. Kruželák has authored numerous scientific publications and is actively involved in international research projects dedicated to polymer science, material engineering, and the development of innovative materials for technical applications.
