EMI shielding effects of carbon nanotubes on traditional EMI plastics

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) were added to several Polycarbonate (PC) based plastic shielding compounds and the resulting composites were measured for Shielding Effectiveness (SE). It was discovered that at relatively low loading levels the addition of CNTs with the Stainless Steel (SS) and Nickel-Coated Carbon Fiber (NCCF) fibrous additives resulted in a significant increase in the SE of the composites. The entire SE percolation curve shifted to lower loading levels requiring less SS or NCCF to manifest useful shielding results. These results will allow future designs to be lighter weight and more cost effective.