Modern electrical systems need EMI shielding without the extra weight
Electromagnetic interactions (EMI) are a serious challenge for electrical systems. Our increasing reliance on automated electronic systems coupled with growing electromagnetic "pollution" in the environment demands a fresh take. Aerospace and defense designers and engineers must produce products that effectively shield sensitive electronic equipment from EMI without adding significant weight. Galvorn offers a promising solution for EMI shielding and lightweighting.
Galvorn CNT film is a lightweight, flex tolerant solution to EMI shielding
In this video, we show a simple experiment. It demonstrates that our 5 cm wide carbon nanotube tape can block cell phone signals effectively. We wrapped Tyson's phone in two layers of this tape. This tape blocks incoming calls well because it has great electromagnetic shielding.
NASA SBIR Awards
The following prototypes were developed and tested as part of NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Awards. Click the "Table of Results" in each section for details.
Lightweight CNT film provides EMI shielding with superior flex endurance
35-60% weight savings achieved
Galvorn carbon nanotube film is highly is mechanically strong, lightweight and flexible. You can fold the carbon nanotube film around an insulated wire (i.e., cigarette-wrapped). This approach produces a shielded cable that meets Mil Specs for Insertion Loss and Shielding Effectiveness performance. The cable also has significant flexure endurance.
Key Results
- A thin CNT film of ~300 microns in thickness provided comparable EMI shielding effectiveness to existing standard cables.
- At frequencies below 3 Gz., Galvorn cable proved superior versus the use of double-braided metal shields.
- Galvorn carbon nanotube film is ~95% lighter than standard (double) metal braids used in typical cables.
- Compared to a double braided cable, a CNT Shielded cable would be ~60% lighter in weight.
- Compared to a single braided cable, a CNT Shielded cable would be ~35% lighter in weight.
SBIR Awards:
- Lightweight CNT Shielded Cables for Space Applications Ph. I
- Lightweight CNT Shielded Cables for Space Applications Ph. II
Lightweight CNT braid can replace heavy metal braids
50% weight savings achieved
Current commercial of-the-shelf-versions of these cables use copper braid as outer conductors. DexMat produced lightweight coaxial cables shielded with Galvorn carbon nanotube (CNT) braids. These CNT-based shielding components replaced heavy metal braids. The results included excellent shielding effectiveness (SE) and insertion loss (IL) performance, as well as significant weight savings.
Key Results
- Produced CNT shielded cable. The insertion loss of this cable met military specifications and the shielding effectiveness was comparable to a COTS cable.
- The CNT cable (including inner conductor, dielectric, shield, and insulating jacket) was over 50 % lighter than the COTs cable.
SBIR Award: Robust Lightweight CNT Wiring for Space Systems