Application of MWNT-added glass fabric/epoxy composites to electromagnetic wave shielding enclosures

As the structures of high performance electronic equipments and devices become increasingly more complex, electromagnetic interference (EMI) and compatibility (EMC) have emerged as key issues with respect to commercial and military purposes. Accordingly, sensitive electrical devices and densely packed systems of automobiles, airplanes, and display fields need to be protected from electromagnetic waves. In this study, glass fabric/epoxy composites containing conductive multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) as electrical shielding materials were fabricated and the electrical properties of the composites were measured using an impedance analyzer. The frequency band of interest is from 300 MHz to 1 GHz. The shielding performances of the composite plates and composite shielding enclosures were predicted using an electromagnetic wave 3-D simulation tool CST Microwave Studio. Most of the simulated results for composite shielding enclosures had the shielding capacities of more than 90% in the frequency range of interest. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.