Carbon fiber reinforced polymer metallization via a conductive silver nanowires polyurethane coating for electromagnetic shielding

For electromagnetic shielding in space environment, the metallization of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is required. A specific attention is paid due to the thermal expansion coefficient difference between substrate and metal coating. A surface metallization of a CFRP has been elaborated by electrodeposition. This study presents an original process based on an electrically conductive polymer coating elaborated from a polyurethane matrix filled with a low content of silver nanowires (<10%vol). A continuous and adherent deposit is obtained by an optimization of the electroplating parameters. A minimal volume fraction was determined at 3%vol associated with an applied current density estimated near 0.1 A/dm². The growth speed is 7 μm/h at 0.1 A/dm². The adhesion was checked in severe environmental conditions (−196 to 165°C). The effectiveness shielding obtained with this solution reaches an attenuation value higher than 90 dB between 1 and 26 GHz necessary for space communication applications.