Chapter 7 - Metal-embedded matrices for EMI shielding

Abstract

As metals possess high conductivity and mechanical strength compared to polymeric materials, it could find applications in the area of electromagnetic (EM) radiation shielding. Various metals such as copper, iron, silver, nickel, etc., are commonly used in most of the metal-based shields. The large conductivity of metal shields is highly suitable for arresting EM radiation especially at low magnetic fields. However, metals also have the problem of being denser and easily prone to oxidation, which limit its application in EM radiation shielding in the form of sheet material. Nonetheless, metals could be used in other forms such as particles, fibers, filaments, etc., in a polymer matrix as a conductive filler to make conductive composites. Several research work carried out on metal filler-loaded polymeric composites have been investigated in this chapter. Metal fibers such as nickel, stainless steel, copper, and silver-based fibers have been used as fillers in polymer matrices to introduce the shielding behavior in a polymeric composite. Research findings of such works are compiled in this chapter. In some cases, metal fillers are blended with other materials to enhance the EM absorption behavior. Research work relating to metal-based EM absorbers are discussed in this chapter. In addition, the mechanical behavior of metal fiber composites is also discussed in this chapter.