CFRP hybrid composites manufacturing and electromagnetic wave shielding performance-a review

Abstract

Carbon fabric-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have replaced most aluminum and ferrous alloys in aerospace construction owing to their attractive high strength-to-weight ratio. CFRPs used in aircraft should have electromagnetic shielding ability in addition to structural properties. Hence, the study of Electromagnetic (EM) wave shielding by hybrid CFRPs is an important topic of research. In this article, we summarize research advancements for enhancing the EM wave shielding of CFRP composites in the X-band frequency range. This study focuses on the manufacturing and performance of carbon-fabric-based composites with metals, metal oxides, and carbon-based fillers. The factors influencing the EM wave shielding ability of the CFRP composites are also discussed. The EM wave shielding of Carbon fibers (CF) was remarkably improved by coating, electroless plating, and synthesizing nanoparticles on the carbon fiber surface. It was found that the carbonious fillers and metal nanofillers such as Nickel (Ni), Iron (Fe), and Silver (Ag)-loaded multilayer CFRP composites showed better absorption modes of EM wave shielding with good structural properties. Owing to the Ag nanowire coating on the CFs, the shielding effectiveness was drastically improved. However, in addition to the type of filler, the structural properties are also influenced by the manufacturing method and type of composite. In the case of laminated composites, the absorption-laminated EM shielding is influenced by the architecture of the plys and the type and number of interplay in the composite construction. In addition, the techniques adopted for the synthesis of nanoparticles and dispersion in composites for effective EM shielding are challenging tasks.

Keywords:

• Carbon fabric
• carbonaceous filler
• metal filler
• EM shielding
• X-band
• aerospace

Reviewing Editor:

• Ian Phillip Jones, University of Birmingham, UK

Subjects:

• Materials Science
• Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
• Manufacturing Engineering

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge support provided by the Manipal Academy of Higher Education.

Authors’ contributions

Suresha R: Literature survey and original draft preparation. B Shivamurthy: Conceptualization, supervision, administration. Sachidananda H K: Co-supervision and reviewing. Niranjan N Prabhu: Literature survey, editing. Prashant M Prabhu: Literature survey, editing. Rajiv Selvam: Reviewing.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author (s).

Data availability statement

All data used for this research is included in this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no direct funding for this research.

Notes on contributors

Suresha R.

Mr. Suresha R is pursuing his Ph.D. in Carbon Fabric Reinforced Hybrid Structural Composites for Electromagnetic Radiation Shielding at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India. He received a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering in the year 1996 from Bangalore University, Karnataka, India, and a Master of Technology in Power Electronics in the year 2007 from Visveswaraya Technological University (VTU), Belgaum, Karnataka, India. He has 26 years of Teaching Experience. He has guided more than 10 Post Graduation Projects. His research interests are in the field of composite materials. He currently holds the position of Assistant Professor – Selection Grade at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, located at the School of Engineering and IT in Dubai Campus.

B. Shivamurthy

Dr. B Shivamurthy, received the B.E. degree in mechanical engineering from Mysore University, India, in 1991, M. Sc. Engineering by research degree in mechanical engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, India in 2008. He obtained Ph. D in Metallurgical & Materials Engineering from National Institute of Technology Karnataka in 2014. He is currently working as Professor at Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India. From 1991 to 2001, he was worked with the polymer engineering Industries in production, R&D in various sectors such as polyester films, thermoset & thermoplastic composites for various applications. He also executed selection and installation of plant and machinery for the same. Further 2001 till date he is working as an Engineering faculty and researcher in India. He also worked as program coordinator at Manipal School of Engineering and IT at Dubai. His research interest includes polymer composites, Nano hybrid composites for electronics, biomedical, and engineering sectors. Dr. B. Shivamurthy published research articles in the field of electronic materials, wearresistant polymers, structure properties of various Nano hybrid polymer composites, fire retardant materials, EMI Shielding, and impact-resistant materials.

Sachidananda H. K.

Dr. Sachidananda currently holds the positions of Assistant Registrar and Associate Professor at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, located at the School of Engineering and IT in Dubai. With a robust background spanning 25 years in the education sector, he earned his doctoral degree from Manipal Institute of Technology in Manipal, India. Dr. Sachidananda has demonstrated his scholarly prowess by authoring over 40 publications in international journals and conferences. His contributions extend beyond the written word; he has been recognized as a session chair at international conferences in the UAE. Notable accolades include receiving the Best Paper Presentation Award at the ICMT SET conference in Dubai and the Best Poster Presentation Award at Manipal University, India. Dr. Sachidananda’s research pursuits delve into areas such as Machine Design, Altered Tooth-Sum Gearing, Optimization through Taguchi and Grey Relation Analysis, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and various aspects of manufacturing processes.

Niranjan N. Prabhu

Mr. Niranjan N Prabhu is a research scholar in the department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal. He received his B.E degree in Mechanical Engineering in the year 2013, and MTech in Design Engineering in the year 2016. He has worked as an Automotive Design Engineer from 2017 to 2020 in Pune. His research interests include electrospinning, and gas sensors.

Prashant M. Prabhu

Mr. Prashant M Prabhu is pursuing his Ph.D. in sustainable electromagnetic interference shielding materials at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India. He received a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering in the year 1998 from Karnataka University, Dharwad, India, and a Masters in Digital electronics and Communication in the year 2005 from Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, India. He has 24 years of teaching experience. He has guided more than 10 post-graduation student projects. His research interests are in the field of composite materials. He has published research articles in the field of EMI shielding materials.

Rajiv Selvam

Dr. Rajiv Selvam currently serves as Deputy Chairperson-School of Engineering and IT & Associate Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai. He acquired a graduate (B.E.) in Mechanical Engineering and a post-graduate (M.E.) in Engineering Design. He completed his doctoral work (Ph.D.) at the College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Chennai. In addition, he also has been employed as a Visiting Research Scholar with the Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering in American University of Sharjah. Dr. Rajiv Selvam has over 18 years of teaching experience, including nine years abroad. He has served as a visiting faculty member in leading institutes in the Sultanate of Oman, Morocco, and Ethiopia. To his credit, he has two patents and published more than 30 Research Papers in Scopus Indexed Journals. His areas of research include Electromagnetic Forming, Composite Materials, and Non-Conventional Machining Techniques. Dr. Rajiv Selvam is recognized and honored with many awards such as the Best Teacher Award, Academic Excellence Award, Best Project Award and Best Paper Award by Institutes/Professional Bodies of repute, for his contribution to the field of education. He has organized One International workshop, four International Conferences, one National Conference and many professional society events. He is also an Associate member of IMechE and a Member of Indian Society of Technical Education (ISTE).