Low-Cost Carbon-Based Electromagnetic Shielding Material Design at X and Ku Bands for Electronics, Fabric and Wearable Equipment

In this study, micro scale carbon black and graphite particles are utilized in a water based and robust polymeric matrix to provide an effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding material along X and Ku bands. The particles are embedded into screen printing ink (SPI) in order to gain conductivity, which results in low-cost and eco-friendly composite. Scattering parameters of synthesized materials are measured by a Vector Network Analyzer, and these data are used in Weir's algorithm to compute relative complex permittivity and permeability of the composites. The offered SPI based composite gives approximately 30 dB EMI shielding at X and Ku band for a 3 mm thickness. It can be used in the coating of devices, instruments systems or even walls, if required. It is also highly compatible with many kinds of fabric, which makes it a good candidate for wearable electronics and occupational health and safety equipment.