Abstract: A panel for an electromagnetic shield includes a light-weight, porous, electrically-conductive core layer of metallic foam having generally parallel opposed surfaces and a face sheet having rigidity properties superior to the rigidity properties of the core layer laminated to a surface of the core layer. Alternatively, a panel for a broadband electromagnetic shield includes a composite fiber-reinforced core having opposed surfaces and a layered electrically-conductive composite cover disposed on a surface of the core. The cover includes a first stratum of porous metal exhibiting pronounced low-frequency electromagnetic shielding properties and a second stratum of electrically-conductive elements exhibiting pronounced high-frequency electromagnetic shielding properties secured in an overlapping electrically-continuous relationship to the first stratum, the first stratum being a metallic lattice, and the electrically-conductive elements being a non-woven veil of electrically-nonconductive metal-coated fibers.

Abstract: A panel for an electromagnetic shield includes a light-weight, porous, electrically-conductive, fluid-permeable planar core layer defined between generally parallel first and second surfaces and a first face sheet laminated to the first surface of the core layer with rigidity properties superior to the rigidity properties of the core layer. The thickness of the first face sheet is substantially less than the thickness of the core layer. The core layer is made of metallic foam or a metal coating on an electrically-nonconductive, porous, nonmetallic substrate chosen from among nonwoven fibrous matting, paper, and open-cell nonmetallic foam. Also, the core layer may also may be made up of liberated branching metal nanostrands or a plurality of electrically-coupled, electrically-conductive particles, each taking the from of an electrically-nonconductive, nonmetallic substrate with a metal coating.

Abstract: An electromagnetically active composite has an electrically-nonconductive host matrix and electrically-conductive nanostrand bodies embedded in a substantially uniform distribution throughout the host matrix. Each of the nanostrand bodies comprises a volume containing at least one nanostrand of filamentary metal. Adjacent nanostrand bodies that are sufficiently mutually proximate will interact electromagnetically with each other. The filamentary metal of the one or more nanostrands in each of the nanostrand bodies occupies a deminimus fraction of the overall volume occupied by the at least one nanostrand that comprises each of the nanostrand bodies. The filamentary metal is chosen from among the group of metals that includes nickel, nickel aluminides, iron, iron aluminides, alloys of nickel and iron, and alloys of nickel and copper.

Abstract: An electrically conductive composite material includes metallic nanostrands distributed throughout a matrix constructed of a polymer, ceramic, or elastomer. The nanostrands may have an average diameter under four microns and an average aspect ratio over ten-to-one. Larger fibers may also be included to enhance electrical conductivity or other properties. The nanostrands and/or fibers may be magnetically oriented to enhance electrical conductivity along one direction. A pressure sensor may be formed by utilizing an elastomer for the matrix. Electrical conductivity through the composite material varies in proportion to deflection of the elastomer. A composite material may be applied to a surface as an electrically conductive paint. Composite materials may be made by cutting a blank of the nanostrands to the desired shape, inserting the matrix, and curing the matrix. Alternatively, a suspension agent may first be used to dispose powdered nanostrands in the desired shape.

Abstract: An electrically conductive composite material includes metallic nanostrands distributed throughout a matrix constructed of a polymer, ceramic, or elastomer. The nanostrands may have an average diameter under four microns and an average aspect ratio over ten-to-one. Larger fibers may also be included to enhance electrical conductivity or other properties. The nanostrands and/or fibers may be magnetically oriented to enhance electrical conductivity along one direction. A pressure sensor may be formed by utilizing an elastomer for the matrix. Electrical conductivity through the composite material varies in proportion to deflection of the elastomer. A composite material may be applied to a surface as an electrically conductive paint. Composite materials may be made by cutting a blank of the nanostrands to the desired shape, inserting the matrix, and curing the matrix. Alternatively, a suspension agent may first be used to dispose powdered nanostrands in the desired shape.