Investigation on surface metallization of epoxy resin and its electromagnetic interference shielding performance

Abstract

In this study, aluminum and aluminum/nickel metal layers with varying thicknesses were deposited on the surface of epoxy resin using electron beam evaporation technology. The research aimed to explore and compare the impact of the thickness and material of the metal layer on electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency. The study revealed that the metal layer on the pre-treated surface of the epoxy resin displays a more complete morphology with uniform coverage and a distinctive stratification in the aluminum/nickel (Al/Ni) metal layer. The application of aluminum and aluminum/nickel metal layers onto the surface of epoxy resin demonstrates effective electromagnetic interference shielding. The investigation reveals that electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency escalates with the thickness of the metal layer within the test frequency range of 4 GHz to 15 GHz. Notably, it attains 70 dB when the aluminum/nickel metal layer achieves a thickness of 1 μm. These findings signify that the aluminum/nickel metal layer displays outstanding electromagnetic interference shielding performance, making it suitable for widespread application in the domain of electromagnetic interference shielding for polymer composites.