At IRDL, Suji Mary Zachariah has developed polymer-carbon composites for shielding against electromagnetic interference.
Suji Mary Zachariah, researcher at IRDL (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thesis defended in 2025 at the doctoral school École doctorale Sciences Pour l'Ingénieur (Lorient ; 2022-....).
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
The thesis of Suji Mary Zachariah, presented at the National Polytechnic Institute of Brittany, addresses a current topic that deserves our full attention: shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI) through hybrid polymer-carbon materials. In a world where digital technologies are multiplying at a frantic pace, the need to protect our devices from EMI becomes crucial. These interferences, often invisible, can disrupt the functioning of electronic devices, ranging from simple mobile phones to sophisticated navigation systems used in aviation. The composites developed in this research, based on polyaniline and graphene, offer a sustainable and effective alternative to address this pressing issue.
The results of this research show that the composites can be designed to have adjustable shielding mechanisms, which is a major asset for various applications. For example, in the field of electronics, these materials could be integrated into protective cases for smartphones, thereby reducing interference while preserving the aesthetics and lightness of the devices. Indeed, the ability to absorb electromagnetic interference not only protects equipment but also reduces secondary electromagnetic pollution, an increasingly recognized public health issue. This raises questions about the environmental impact of our material choices and the need to adopt more sustainable solutions.
The methodology employed by Zachariah is innovative and deserves to be highlighted: she used in situ polymerization of polyaniline on wool, thus creating flexible composites. This approach not only promotes the flexibility of the materials but also paves the way for applications in various sectors such as electronics, automotive, and aeronautics. For example, in the automotive industry, these composites could be used to protect the electronic systems of vehicles, which are increasingly dependent on electronics for their operation. Furthermore, the study of composites in different forms (films, aerogels, hydrogels) allows for a variety of applications, ranging from packaging for electronic products to the creation of smart clothing incorporating EMI protection features.
However, it is essential to consider how these materials can be integrated into existing production chains. Technical and economic challenges remain to be overcome for large-scale adoption. For example, producing these composites at a competitive cost is a major issue for companies. Policymakers need to think about policies that encourage innovation in this field while supporting companies that wish to invest in sustainable solutions. This could include grants for research and development, as well as tax incentives for companies that adopt sustainable production practices.
In conclusion, this thesis is not limited to a scientific advancement; it opens the door to discussions about the future of materials and their role in an increasingly connected world. The implications of this research go far beyond the laboratory and touch on major societal issues. Indeed, the way we choose to develop and use these materials could have significant repercussions on our environment and health. It is therefore imperative that researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers collaborate to transform these discoveries into concrete solutions that will benefit society as a whole.
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Sources and Access
Suji Mary Zachariah. Development of Polymer–Carbon-Based Composites for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding. Materials. Université de Bretagne Sud; Mahatma Gandhi University, 2025. English. ⟨NNT : 2025LORIS756⟩. ⟨tel-05555494⟩
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