Graphene EMI Shielding: Introduction and Market News
What is EMI shielding?
Electromagnetic interference shielding is the action of surrounding electronics and cables with conductive or magnetic materials to guard against incoming or outgoing emissions of electromagnetic radiation, that can interfere with their proper operation.
The shielding can reduce the coupling of radio waves, electromagnetic fields and electrostatic fields (EM shielding that blocks radio frequency electromagnetic radiation is also known as RF shielding). The amount of reduction depends heavily upon the material used, its thickness, the size of the shielded volume and the frequency of the fields of interest and the size, shape and orientation of apertures in a shield to an electromagnetic field.
What is EMI shielding used for?
EMI shielding is done for several reasons, but the most common goal is preventing electromagnetic interference (EMI) from affecting sensitive electronics. Metallic mesh shields are often used to protect one component from affecting another inside a device.
Air gapped systems, usually used by military, government and financial institutions, can also benefit from EM shielding. Although physical isolation and a lack of external connectivity are often considered adequate to ensure the system's security, several methods have been shown to successfully exploit the electromagnetic radiation that comes from different parts of the system.
How is EMI shielding done?
Various different materials and techniques are used for EM shielding. Wires may be surrounded by a metallic foil or shield to block EM emanations from the cased wires. Audio speakers often have inner metallic casing to block EMI produced by the drivers so they don't affect TVs and other electronics. EMI filters are also found in electronic components, and more. Certain techniques are similar in concept to a Faraday cage, preventing signal corruption that would cause electronics to perform badly. Mesh can be used as total enclosure is not necessary if the openings are smaller than the electromagnetic waves that need to be blocked.
Typical materials used for electromagnetic shielding include sheet metal, metal screen, and metal foams. other shielding methods (especially used in electronic goods put in plastic enclosures) involve metallic inks that consist of a carrier material loaded with a suitable metal, typically copper or nickel, in the form of very small particulates. Copper is used for radio frequency (RF) shielding because it absorbs radio and magnetic waves.
Graphene EMI shielding
EMI shielding methods traditionally rely on metal, which adds weight and is expensive. A significant body of research demonstrates that carbon nanostructure-based nanocomposite materials can outperform conventional metal shielding due to their light weight, resistance to corrosion, flexibility, and processing advantages. On top of all these, graphene's excellent conductivity makes it a perfect candidate for such applications.
Researchers develop graphene coating for aircraft stealth applications
Researchers from Beijing University of Technology, Harbin University and Peking University have developed a graphene-based metasurface designed for electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption in high-speed aerospace applications.
Modern aircraft require materials that combine low density, flexibility, high-temperature stability, and effective EMW attenuation. To address these requirements, the research team applied a subtractive laser patterning technique to graphene@silica fabric (G@SF) synthesized via chemical vapor deposition.
Graphenest and Lohmann announce joint-venture to develop graphene-based shielding adhesives
Graphenest and Lohmann GmbH, a developer of adhesive technologies, have announced the signing of a joint-venture agreement to co-develop next-generation graphene-based adhesive systems for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and thermal management applications.
This strategic collaboration will combine Graphenest’s proprietary graphene production technology and abilities with Lohmann’s adhesive formulation expertise to deliver highly conductive, high-performance adhesive solutions for electronics, aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.
Eco-friendly graphene ink could enable novel 3D printing applications in various fields
Researchers from the University of Calgary, University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo and Aalto University recently developed an all-graphene water-based ink for 3D printing via direct ink writing, which the team considers first of its kind. The ink could unlock new possibilities for addressing environmental challenges, such as eliminating invisible electromagnetic pollution from our surroundings.
The eco-friendly graphene ink enables applications in various fields, including electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, electronics, and environmental protection while providing a scalable solution for next-generation 3D-printed technologies.
Researchers 3D print unique graphene frameworks for enhanced EMI shielding
Researchers from China's Nanjing University of Science and Technology and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have developed lightweight and structurally controllable 3D reduced graphene oxide frameworks decorated with magnetic components (MRGO frameworks) via 3D printing technology to tailor EMI shielding properties.
The team explains that by adjusting the preparation conditions of the MRGO frameworks, such as inter-filament spacing, composition, and pyrolysis temperature, the graphitization degree and transmission paths are influenced, enabling electrical conductivity and magnetic property, and ensuring excellent EMI shielding performance.
Salgenx expands potential applications of its graphene and hard carbon-coated sand
Salgenx, developer of saltwater flow battery technology, has announced the expansion of its development of graphene and hard carbon-coated sand. Originally designed for use in advanced battery systems, Salgenx is now exploring a wide array of new applications for this innovative material, ranging from smart infrastructure to environmental sustainability.
The Company says that "the unique combination of graphene and hard carbon in a sand aggregate has the potential to transform the construction industry". By enhancing the electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and durability of concrete, Salgenx’s carbon-coated sand opens up new possibilities in building and infrastructure development.
AMD announces extension of US Government contracts
Advanced Graphene Development (AMD) has announced two significant contract extensions with its US Government customers.
Its Radar mitigation project with the US Army continues under a new funding award whilst its novel laser blocking technology work, under contract with the Irregular Warfare Technology Support Directorate (IWTSD) is also extended. Both projects will continue throughout 2024.
HydroGraph reports successful testing of its fractal graphene in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding
HydroGraph Clean Power has announced successful testing of its flagship product, FGA-1, fractal graphene, in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding.
The integration of HydroGraph’s graphene in epoxy resin was reportedly able to achieve substantial EMI shielding properties by reaching an 80-decible (dB) attenuation (a reduction of signal strength during transmission) in shielded enclosures of less than 1 mm thick. Minimum ratings for consumer protection are 30 dB and ranges from 60 dB to 80 dB for automotive and aerospace applications.
Graft Polymer joins GrinShield Project Twinning program to advance graphene research
UK-based Graft Polymer has joined a consortium led by the Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences relating to the GrinShield Project Twinning program for new graphene-based composites in electromagnetic interference shielding. The initiative, supported by French, German and Slovenian teams, was formed in response to the growing demand for materials that can mitigate the effects of electromagnetic waves (EWs).
Graft Polymer will contribute its GRAFTALLOY MP-UHMWPE and NANO graphene emulsions to the project. These materials will undergo rigorous testing procedures by the institute, culminating in a joint research and development report due for completion in 2025.
HydroGraph and EMP Shield to collaborate on graphene-based EMI shielding
HydroGraph Clean Power has announced its collaboration with Kansas-based EMP Shield Inc., a company focused on protecting devices from destructive electromagnetic interference. Under this collaboration, the HydroGraph and EMP Shield are developing advanced electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding using HydroGraph’s high-purity graphene.
Electronic equipment can be protected from EMI by conductive or absorptive materials and coatings. HydroGraph and EMP Shield are working together to develop coatings and insulated barriers to protect electronic devices by blocking unwanted disruptions or transmission of electronic data.
Graphenest raises 1.8€ Million in funding to commercialize its EMI shielding solutions
Graphenest, provider of innovative electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding solutions for the electronics and automotive industries, has announced that it has raised 1.8€ million in funding to scale up its graphene cleantech production and its commercial business development. The funding was led by Ged Ventures and Portugal Ventures.
With this funding, Graphenest plans to expand its production capabilities and accelerate growth toward a circular economy, by expanding its portfolio of products and strategic partnerships with the industry's value chain. It is committed to deliver high-performance shielding products that can enable customers to replace metals that are dense, rigid, and energy & resource-intensive by graphene-based solutions
