Flexible EMI Shielding Materials Using Conducting Copolymers

There is a need for flexible EMI shielding material in the construction of tactical shelters. This proposal outlines a programs to develop such a material using wire mesh or knitted wire mesh sandwiched between two sheets of an electrically conducting copolymer which is elastomeric in nature. The proposed material will maintain its flexibility so that when flexed a number of times, it will not fracture or lose its initial effectiveness. It is also anticipated that the material will be rugged and durable. The proposed work relies on prior experience at Gumbs specifically in the use of conducting polymers for EMI shielding composites and encapsulants. During Phase I, prototypes will be fabricated and tested in efforts to demonstrate feasibility of the concept. Larger panels will be prepared furing Phase II to conduct full scale performance and evaluation tests.