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

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.