Arc-Sprayed Coatings for Electromagnetic Pulse Protection: Assessment of Physical and Electrical Properties

The Army is studying methods of protecting sensitive electronic equipment against electromagnetic pulse EMP and radiofrequency interference RFI events. Part of this work focuses on metal arc-spray techniques as a potentially low-cost alternative to traditional EMPRFI protection. Arc-sprayed metal coatings have been used for several years in different applications however, little is known about the physical and electrical properties of these coatings. A better understanding of these properties would allow spraying parameters to be optimized, ensuring the most effective coatings at the lowest cost. In this study, aluminum, aluminum bronze, copper, low-carbon steel, 13 percent chrome steel, nickel, nickel chrome, tin, and zinc were sprayed onto paper and aluminum foil substrates using the two-wire arc-spray process to determine the physical and electrical characteristics of these materials when sprayed on ordinary rooms composed of common construction materials. Keywords Arc spraying Electromagnetic pulses Radiation shields Coatings.