Lightweight Carbon Nanomaterial Sheetgood for Electromagnetic Shielding in Structural Composites

ABSTRACT: Military aerospace assets must be able to survive electromagnetic pulse events including lightning strike, flash x-rays, nuclear electromagnetic pulse (EMP) as well as system-generated electromagnetic pulse (SGEMP) events. Since most systems cannot afford parasitic weight gains, it is critical to provide the shielding in a multi-functional material that addresses structural requirements of the component or subsystem. As a solution for this need, Applied Sciences, Inc. (ASI) proposes to develop a lightweight, isotropic, continuous carbon nanomaterial sheetgood featuring high-Z materials intercalacted into the interior core of the hollow carbon nanofibers. Through careful selection of carbon nanofiber type(s) and by blending varying lengths of carbon nanofiber, and the concentration of the high-Z intercalant, ASI will produce low weight, high shielding CNF mat. The resulting material will be incorporated in fiber reinforced polymer composites and will be tested for electromagnetic shielding effectiveness, including EMP and X-Ray. In addition, the mechanical properties of the composites will be measured. The ASI CNF Mat has attracted interest from numerous Prime Contractors such as Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and ATK. ASI will leverage this support in Phase I and II collaborations and through commercialization. BENEFIT: Carbon nanofiber mat is an emerging continuous nanomaterial product form that is attracting interest from numerous DoD Prime Contractors and in private industry for its low weight, multi-functional properties. Upon completion of the Phase I effort, a new functionality will have been developed and demonstrated in CNF Mat, enabling more applications. Current uses under investigation for CNF mat include: wind mill blades, fan cases, fan blades, structural composites for aerospace applications, advanced energy, and sporting goods.