Conductive Composite with Microcellulose and Nanowire EMI Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic devices emit electromagnetic interference (EMI) that disrupts broadcasts and communication, and existing EMI shielding materials are heavy, complex to process, and often rely on pure metals, necessitating the development of lighter-weight alternatives with improved EMI shielding effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A conductive composite is created using a polymer matrix with microcellulose fibers and dispersed conductive nanomaterials, including metal nanowires and carbon nanotubes, forming an assembled layer with a density gradient that enhances EMI shielding while maintaining a low density and high conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If pure metal materials are used for EMI shielding, then EMI shielding effectiveness is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of cellulose fibers combined with conductive nanomaterials (metal nanowires, carbon nanotubes, or graphene) to create an EMI shielding material that is both lightweight and effective. This composite structure allows the material to achieve good EMI shielding performance without the weight penalty of pure metals.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive nanomaterials are selectively distributed on the surface of cellulose fibers, creating localized conductive networks where needed for EMI shielding while maintaining the overall lightweight structure. The nanomaterials form assembled layers that provide shielding effectiveness only in the regions where conductive properties are required.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If metal nanowires and carbon nanotubes are combined in assembled layers, then EMI shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive nanomaterials are pre-dispersed in solutions or suspensions before being applied to the cellulose fiber substrate. This preliminary dispersion step ensures uniform distribution of nanomaterials, simplifying the subsequent coating or deposition processes and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hierarchical structure where conductive nanomaterials are nested on the surface of cellulose fibers, forming assembled layers that are themselves nested within a larger composite structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional layers to be integrated in a compact manner, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If conductive nanomaterials are dispersed in polymer matrix, then electrical conductivity is improved, but material density increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite material utilizes the porous structure of cellulose fibers as the polymer matrix, allowing conductive nanomaterials to be dispersed within the porous network. This porous structure provides pathways for electrical conductivity while maintaining low overall material density, as the pores contribute minimal weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses carbon-based nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, graphene) that replicate the lightweight nature of the cellulose matrix while providing enhanced electrical conductivity. These carbon nanomaterials have densities comparable to or lower than many metals, allowing conductivity improvement without significant density increase.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composite effectively shields electromagnetic interference with improved conductivity and EMI shielding effectiveness, maintaining a low density and simplifying processing, making it suitable for use in various electronic devices without increasing weight.
Implementation Method 1
When the emitting device is surrounded by a material such as a metal can having a metal bond and high electrical conductivity, it may be shielded by the Faraday shield effect.
Implementation Method 2
at least two conductive nanomaterials dispersed in the polymer matrix, wherein the conductive nanomaterial includes a metal nanowire
Data Source
AI summary
A conductive composite including: a polymer matrix including a microcellulose fiber; and at least two conductive nanomaterials dispersed in the polymer matrix, wherein the conductive nanomaterial includes a metal nanowire, wherein the at least two of the conductive nanomaterials provide an assembled layer surrounding a surface of the microcellulose fiber.