Carbon Nanofiber EMI Shielding Coatings

Under this Phase I SBIR program, Applied Sciences, Inc., will exploit the unique properties of its low-cost carbon nanofibers to create and test coating materials to shield against electromagnetic interference (EMI). The coatings will be comprised ofversions ASI's low-cost carbon nanofiber, PyrografO-III, or blends of nanofiber and metal particulate, in a variety of possible matrix materials, but primarily urethanes and silicones. The materials chosen will be characterized by short cure times, longservice life, and generally black coloration (the natural color of the carbon nanofibers.) The end result will be a family of materials, characterized by a range of dielectric and mechanical properties, that can be be used to tailor EMI absorption needsto the specific engineering situation. The current effort is focused on materials for EMI shielding. However, the results could broadly apply to other signature control applications, include surface, land, and aerospace vehicles and structures. Thematerials may also be useful for communications and electronics shielding, and for lightning strike protection.