Abstract To address the growing need for lightweight and multifunctional stealth materials in modern protective applications, this study presents an innovative melamine foam (MF)-based composite featuring an asymmetric dual-nano conductive network with integrated absorption-dominated electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, infrared (IR) stealth, and flame retardant properties. Inspired by Salisbury screen, the composites employ MF as an interlayer and flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofiber membrane as a substrate. The architecture features a carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-modified impedance matching nanofiber layer as the top absorber and a silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-modified nanofiber layer as the highly conductive reflective bottom. Precise control of CNTs content and interlayer thickness enables tunable electromagnetic waves (EMWs) absorption, yielding a low reflection (0.03) and high EMI shielding effectiveness (79.23 dB) at 4.40 mm. Even at 1.40 mm, effective absorption-dominated shielding is maintained. And the performance remains stable under ultrasonic, compression, and bending, demonstrating high durability. Especially, the mechanism behind achieving absorption-dominated EMI shielding at a reduced thickness, which relies on destructive interference of EMWs enabled by the asymmetric dual-nano conductive network, is thoroughly elucidated. Additionally, the composite exhibits superior IR stealth and self-extinguishing properties. This work offers a feasible strategy for designing high-performance stealth materials with strong potential for personnel and communication equipment protection.
Liu et al. (Mon,) studied this question.