Fabrication of VGCF Composites for Electromagnetic Shielding Structures

In order to produce shelters that more effectively shield military communications and electronic equipment from electromagnetic radiation, improvements must be made in manufacturing technology for graphite fiber composite materials. Of particular importance is the development of composite fabrication techniques that avoid arduous and expensive manual lay-up of the graphite fibers. ASI makes a novel, high-conductivity vapor-grown carbon fiber (VGCF), which will not only be highly effective in attenuating electromagnetic radiation (EMI, RFI, and EMP) over a broad frequency spectrum, but also be amenable to rapid, low-cost production methods, such as injection molding and resin transfer molding. In this proposed effort, thermoplastics reinforced with VGCF will be used to form structural panels and I-beams for tactical communication equipment enclosures. Standard testing methodologies will be used to measure the mechanical and electromagnetic properties of the panels. This data will be used to predict the shielding effectiveness and structural performance for a complete shelter meeting military and ISO mechanical requirements.