Using long fiber nickel coated carbon fiber (LFNCCF) to produce light weight EMI shielding plastic composites

LFNCCF was 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 LFNCCF resulted in a significant increase in the SE of the composites. The entire SE percolation curve shifted to lower loading levels requiring less filler than more conventional Stainless Steel (SSF) or standard length Nickel Coated Carbon Fiber (NCCF) to manifest useful shielding results. These results will allow future designs to be lighter weight and more cost effective.