Abstract: A method of dispersing fibers in an electromagnetic-attenuating coating and applying the coating to a substrate. The method includes mixing a coating material of fibers and resin in a container such that the fibers are uniformly dispersed in the resin without breaking the fibers. The method also includes feeding the coating material from the container while maintaining the fibers uniformly dispersed in the resin and without breaking the fibers. In addition, the method includes applying the coating material to a substrate. The mixing is carried out by subjecting the container to an oscillatory shaking action, the feeding step is carried out by pressurizing the container and ejecting the coating material through a bottom opening in the container and the applying step is carried out by spraying the coating material on the substrate with an air-nozzle spray gun.

Abstract: An apparatus for precision cutting of fiber tow is provided which includes a structure for securing a taut length of fiber tow between two points, a movable cutter, and a structure for guiding a cutting edge of the cutter substantially perpendicularly against the taut length of fiber tow at a predetermined point between the two points. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic-attenuating coating having fibers uniformly dispersed in a lightly loaded dielectric matrix material. The fibers are metal-coated dielectric or semi-conductive fibers such as graphite fibers and the fibers are provided in an amount of less than 1 weight % of the coating. The dielectric matrix material is a resin material such as silicone. The fiber lengths and diameters, the material of the fibers and metal coating, the thickness and tolerance range of the metal coating and the loading of the metal coated fibers in the matrix material can be adjusted depending on the frequency range to be attenuated.