Lightweight Conformal Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding

This SBIR Phase II program will continue the research and development of metallized carbon nanofiber for lightweight conformal electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Metallized carbon nanofiber has the large aspect ratio of vapor-grown carbon nanofiber and the high electrical conductivity of the metal. It can introduce significant electrical conductivity and shielding effectiveness to polymers at moderate concentrations. In Phase I, Materials Research Institute developed two processes capable of producing highly conductive metallized carbon nanofiber. A new dispersion scheme was established for integrating the metallized carbon nanofiber with polymers. The resulting composite material exhibited much improved electrical conductivity. In Phase II, the metallization processes will be optimized for commercialization. New and improved processing schemes will be investigated for incorporating the metallized carbon nanofiber into adhesives, coating materials, and structural polymers for EMI shielding, electrical grounding, and lightning strike protection applications. Electrical conductivity and shielding effectiveness of the prototype materials will be characterized to validate the proposed technology.