Strain-enhanced liquid-metal-coated carbonyl-iron-powder-embedded polydimethylsiloxane composites for effective electromagnetic wave absorption

• A novel LM/CIP/PDMS composite with core-shell structure combines magnetic and dielectric properties for enhanced EMW absorption. • The addition of EGaIn liquid metal improves mechanical flexibility and introduces dielectric loss mechanisms, overcoming the limitations of pure magnetic CIP fillers. • Mechanical strain induces the formation of a conductive LM network, further enhancing EMW absorption performance. • The composite offers a promising solution for flexible, stretchable EMW-absorbing materials to mitigate electromagnetic pollution in advanced wireless technologies.