Ultra-Lightweight Composites for EMI Shielding on Hypersonic Interceptors

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is seeking extremely thin and lightweight material that is capable of efficiently blocking Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) while contributing minimally to the mass or internal volume used that is crucial for effective hypersonic interceptors capability. Spectral Energies (SE) in collaboration with the University of Dayton (UD) proposes to develop and commercialize an ultra-lightweight carbon-based nanostructure composite shielding material that can defend against Electromagnetic Interferences (EMI) and Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP). To this end, we will develop a low-cost and mass-production scale manufacturing by a one-step cold compression process at room temperature of flexible yet strong nickel foam and graphene composite (NFG) sheets. During Phase I of the project, we plan to focus our efforts on the development of EMI shielding materials and fabrication processes and to expand the operational performance to reach the Ku band and beyond. In Phase II, the team will finalize and optimize the EMI shielding material formulation, design and fabricate a prototype, evaluate the performance, and provide the government with samples of the material for testing. Approved for Public Release | 24-MDA-11917 (27 Sep 24)