The Role of Nanostrands in Creating Lightweight Conformal Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding Materials

Nickel nanostrands have previously demonstrated their ability to create unsurpassed levels of broadband electromagnetic shielding in a wide range of polymers, being superior in both the level of protection (in dB) and in frequency response range when compared to many other competing technologies, including wire meshes and metal or metal coated powders and fibers. This increase in protection is due to the nanostrand’s unique combination of sub-micron diameter, high aspect ratio, high degree of 3-D interconnectivity and branching and the electrical conductive and paramagnetic properties of nickel. These properties result in the achievement of exceptionally high shielding levels at very low loadings, resulting in a lightweight shielding material. While much of the previous work has centered on the use of thermoset and thermoplastic polymers, the objectives of this proposal will be to demonstrate the ability of nanostrands to create lightweight conformal EMI shielding materials, primarily elastomeric, which can be applied by a wide variety of techniques, such as spraying, extruding, dipping or brushing. If successful, the effort will result in the ability to tailor EMI protection to virtually any protection level, polymer or complex geometry.