Today, the most used materials for the fabrication of EMI shields include carbons, ceramics, cement, metals, conducting polymers, related nanocomposites/ composites, etc. These nanocomposites have a significant range of applications across the industrial and even societal realms. In a remarkable achievement, researchers from Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) have been granted an Indian patent for developing a novel electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composition. The new technology has ground-breaking potential. The new gaskets can absorb excess electromagnetic radiation emitted by electronic devices, including mobile phones, WiFi, Bluetooth, microwave ovens, etc.

According to the university's official statement, the game changing new composition is based on soft elastomers with an extremely low hybrid nanofiller content. This research team was formed as part of the doctoral pursuit of Avinash R. Pai under the Visvesvaraya PhD scheme of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology. The project supervisors include Sabu Thomas, former Vice-Chancellor of the varsity, and Nandakumar Kalarikkal, former director, International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IIUCNN).

The new composition holds immense potential for commercialization, especially in the field of EMI shielding gasket manufacturing. No wonder the researchers are already busy discussing with multiple companies to explore scaling up this technology into a viable product. Mahatma Gandhi University deserves a fair amount of credit for facilitating the research initiative. In truth, the institute is well known for its educational approach, which is firmly rooted in research. A huge line of alumni and their business success will vouch for this. This yearly special issue is dedicated to the reputable alumni of Mahatma Gandhi University. Do let us know your thoughts