Improved Data&Power Transmission: Conductor&Shielding

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. Minnesota Defense proposes to demonstrate 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 has already demonstrated the ability to achieve significant weight saving through the use of carbon nanotube sheets and yarns for short lengths of cable. The effort will scale to larger cables and address termination issues presented by conducting polymers. BENEFIT: The anticipated benefits and/or potential applications of this project could apply to data transmission wiring, litz wire, coaxial cable, wire harnesses, USB, electronic circuitry, and component shielding.