– Our project concerns a phenomenon known as electrosmog, explains prof. Zdrojek. – Electronic devices and systems that surround us emit various kinds of electromagnetic radiation. Part of it is useful, used e.g. in mobile phones. However, there is also unwanted radiation, often referred to as radioactive waste. This takes place when one device generates radiation that is harmful to another device placed next to it. There are also studies showing that certain types of radiation negatively affect living organisms, including humans.

Researchers from the Warsaw University of Technology in their project chose to focus on a very specific type of electromagnetic radiation – microwave radiation. It is used in mobile phones, GPS, Wi-Fi or radars.

– Our final product is a fully developed material technology, which can then be used to manufacture specific applications – says Prof. Zdrojek. – Currently, together with our industrial partners, we are testing simple applications to verify the readiness of the technology to be introduced into the market: screenings of electronic devices and cables, as well as coatings for electrical contacts terminals.

The power of graphene

Composite is the material our researchers are working on. This means that it is made of several components which, properly combined, form a raw material with completely new properties –none of its components individually have.

–– Metals are usually used to provide protection from electrosmog – says prof. Zdrojek. – Still, they have a lot of disadvantages, above all, they are heavy and not very ductile, and, most importantly, they reflect electrosmog instead of eliminating it. That is why we decided to develop a non-metallic material that absorbs electromagnetic radiation.

Researchers used plastics and their advantages. Graphene flakes play a pivotal role. It is owing to them that the material absorbs electromagnetic radiation so effectively.

When one is better than two

Researchers want their idea to be implemented without building new factories or completely reorganising production lines. It is supposed to be cheap and hassle-free.

– We will replace the materials currently used with our nanocomposite – points out prof. Zdrojek. – Let me explain this by way of example. We do not want to have to produce an additional mobile phone cover, worn on the one we already have. Instead, there should be one – one that will have all the existing properties, and which will also protect against microwave radiation.

Companies look at the idea with great interest, and even ask for samples that could be used in their products.

The project "Thermoplastic nanocomposites for effective microwave radiation suppression" received funding in the third edition of the TEAM-TECH program, implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science. The idea is a joint venture of the Faculty of Physics at the WUT and of nanoEMI Sp. z o.o., a company specializing in nanocomposites.

The project manager: prof. Mariusz Zdrojek.

The team: prof. Mariusz Zdrojek, Anna Dużyńska, PhD, Anna Łapińska, PhD, Anna Wróblewska, PhD, Klaudia Żerańska-Chudek, PhD, Konrad Wilczyński, Milena Ojrzyńska, Karolina Filak, Agata Olszewska, Michał Maciałowicz.

Cooperation with nanoEMI sp. z o.o.: Krzysztof Jakubczak, PhD.