The Unseen Armor
In the high-stakes world of defense, electronic systems are the backbone of everything from communication and navigation to advanced weaponry. But these critical systems are constantly under threat, not just from physical attacks, but from an invisible enemy: electromagnetic interference (EMI). EMI, whether from adversarial jamming, internal system crosstalk, or even natural phenomena like lightning, can disrupt, degrade, or completely disable vital electronics.
Traditionally, defense applications have relied on metallic enclosures and coatings for EMI shielding. While effective to a degree, these solutions often come with significant drawbacks: they can be heavy, rigid, susceptible to corrosion, and challenging to integrate into complex, modern designs.
Carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers, yarns, and films have emerged as game-changing solutions for EMI shielding. With their extraordinary properties, they are poised to become the unseen armor for the next generation of defense technologies.
What Makes CNT Fibers, Yarns, and Films So Effective for EMI Shielding?
CNT fibers, yarns, and films exhibit a unique combination of characteristics that make them very effective for EMI shielding. We discuss those general characteristics below.
Galvorn CNT fibers, yarns, and films are the highest performing CNT-based products commercially available today. Download our spec sheet for the full list of Galvorn CNT products and their properties. Visit our store to purchase samples.Â
- Electrical Conductivity: CNT fibers and films are electrically conductive. This conductivity allows them to effectively absorb and dissipate electromagnetic radiation, preventing it from reaching sensitive electronics.
- Lightweight: Unlike bulky metallic shields, CNT fibers and films are incredibly lightweight. DexMat’s work with NASA demonstrated that Galvorn EMI shielding can reduce the overall weight of wiring by 35-60%, depending on the design, without compromising performance. The weight savings allow for greater fuel efficiency and extended range in vehicles and aircraft, as well as enhanced mobility for personnel, all while maintaining robust EMI protection.
- Unmatched Strength and Durability: Defense applications demand materials that can withstand harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, mechanical stress, and chemical exposure. CNT fibers offer remarkable tensile strength—stronger than steel at a fraction of the weight—ensuring long-term durability in rugged environments. Whether integrated into wiring solutions, blended into textiles, or composited, CNT fibers, yarns, and films maintain their shielding effectiveness under the toughest conditions, making them reliable for mission-critical operations.
- Flexibility for Versatile Applications: Unlike rigid metal shields, CNT fibers, yarns, and films are highly flexible. The CNT fibers, yarns, and films can be woven into fabrics, then composited if the application requires. CNT yarns can also be knitted or embroidered. The textile-like form factor supports complex geometries and allows for innovative designs in defense systems, such as:
- Lightweight EMI-shielding for drones
- Flexible shielding layers in soldier uniforms
- Conformal shielding for irregularly shaped equipment
- Its tighter bend radius also enables space-saving designs
This adaptability ensures seamless integration into next-generation defense technologies.
- Corrosion Resistance: Traditional metal-based EMI shields, such as copper or aluminum, are prone to corrosion. CNT products, however, being carbon-based, are inherently resistant to corrosion, ensuring a more durable and long-lasting shielding solution that requires less maintenance. This makes them particularly valuable for defense applications in maritime or extreme climates, where reliability is non-negotiable.
- Future-Proofing Defense Systems: As electromagnetic threats evolve, including high-frequency signals and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks, defense systems require advanced shielding solutions. CNT fibers provide broadband EMI shielding, capable of addressing both current and emerging threats. Their compatibility with cutting-edge technologies, such as 5G and IoT-enabled defense systems, ensures that CNT fibers will remain relevant as military technology advances.
Applications in Defense
Where CNT Fibers, Yarns, and Films Shine
Our Galvorn CNT products are the best on the market and ready for your defense application needs. The implications of Galvorn-based EMI shielding for defense are vast and transformative:
- Secure Communications: Protecting sensitive communication links from jamming and interception is paramount. Galvorn can safeguard transceivers, antennas, and data lines, ensuring clear and uninterrupted communication.
- Reliable Navigation Systems: GPS and other navigation systems are vulnerable to EMI. Galvorn shielding can enhance their resilience, ensuring accurate positioning and guidance for critical missions.
- Stealth Technology: The lightweight and customizable nature of Galvorn makes it ideal for integrating into stealth platforms, contributing to reduced radar signatures and enhanced survivability.
- Ruggedized Electronics: From unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to ground vehicles and soldier-worn devices, Galvorn can protect vital electronic components from environmental EMI.
- Advanced Sensor Systems: Modern defense relies heavily on sophisticated sensors. Galvorn shielding can ensure the integrity and accuracy of these sensors, preventing interference from impacting their performance.
Conclusion
CNT fibers, yarns, and films are transforming EMI shielding for defense applications by combining conductivity with superior lightweighting, durability, and flexibility. Their ability to protect sensitive electronics from electromagnetic interference while meeting the rigorous demands of military environments makes them an ideal choice for modern defense systems. As the defense sector continues to innovate, CNT fibers, yarns, and films will play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and security of mission-critical technologies.
Learn more about how Galvorn EMI shielding can reduce overall cable weight by 35-60%.