Enhanced electromagnetic shielding of lightweight copper-coated nonwoven laminate with carbon filament reinforcement

Textile-based electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials with good flexibility and high EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) are highly desirable. Still, the poor mechanical properties of textile-based EMI shielding materials limit their application. The carbon filaments (CF) combine superior mechanical properties and conductivity. Therefore, we demonstrate the CF-reinforced material, which was laminated with two types of copper-coated nonwoven polyester (CuPET10 and CuPET20) for EMI shielding. Compared to the traditional lamination method, this process was more convenient by ironing with adhesive lining. The developed laminate (CuPET/CF) performs superior EMI shielding property with an average SE value of 88.6 dB in the frequency range of 30 MHz to 3 GHz. The mechanical properties were improved from 12.7 to 39.9 MPa and from 13.46 MPa to 35.78 MPa for CuPET10/CF and CuPET20/CF, respectively. The newly developed material also demonstrated exceptional lightweight, flexibility, and thermal resistance. The laminated CuPET/CF material provides enhanced mechanical properties and easy lamination capability, allowing it to shield surfaces of electromagnetic radiation-sensitive equipment while providing a certain degree of protection and extremely high EMI shielding efficiency.