Improved Data&Power Transmission: Conductor&Shielding

ABSTRACT: Carbon nanotubes form conductive composites at such low loading ratios and thus could be a key component in EMI shielding and conductors for lightweight aircraft wiring. Compared to conventional metal-based materials, electrically conducting polymer composites has attracted interest due to their light weight, resistance to corrosion, flexibility, and processing advantages. In Phase I, Minnesota Defense demonstrated the feasibility of creating aircraft wires with the use of carbon nanotube sheets and yarns for shielding and conductors for producing lightweight wires. Minnesota Defense intends to continue development of aircraft wires with high-levels of EMI shielding (without adding weight), through the use of carbon nanotube sheets and yarns. The primary goal of Phase II is to advance the technology to the point where Minnesota Defense CNT shielded cables can be fielded on military aircraft at the end of Phase II. BENEFIT: There are multiple benefits to creating less weight and improved EMI resiliency for cables on aerospace platforms. This innovation can be applied to commercial aircraft, and will revolutionize data transmission wiring, coaxial cable, USB wire harnesses, Litz wire, electronic circuitry and component shielding.