Advanced carbons in EMI shielding

Graphene, carbon nanotubes and MXenes hold the strongest position among advanced carbons in electromagnetic interference shielding. Carbon nanotubes reach 40 to 60 decibels of shielding effectiveness at less than 5% loading in polymer composites while staying far lighter than copper foil, and a conductive network forms at low loading so mechanical and optical properties are largely preserved. These lightweight composites are increasingly specified where weight and thickness are at a premium, from foldable consumer devices to aerospace enclosures.

MXenes, in particular titanium carbide, deliver the highest specific shielding effectiveness of any two-dimensional material, combining high electrical conductivity with a polar surface chemistry, and reach 50 to 70 decibels at under 50 microns as a spray, film or coating. Graphene-reinforced films push attenuation further, with recent graphene polyaniline films reaching about 90 decibels at 0.02 millimetres thickness. Carbon fibre reinforced polymer panels provide inherent broadband shielding of roughly 20 to 40 decibels in aerospace and industrial enclosures, replacing copper mesh overlays.

The global electromagnetic shielding market was valued at about $7.96 billion in 2025 and is growing at roughly 4.9% a year to 2030. Within it, the graphene shielding laminate segment was worth about $728 million in 2024 and is forecast to grow at around 9.7% annually to 2033. The first commercial single-walled carbon nanotube shielding paste launched in 2024, and carbon nanotube and graphene shields are projected to displace 15 to 20% of copper foil shielding in consumer electronics by 2028.