EMI/RFI Gaskets are not a new technology. They have been around for the last 60 years. However, once in a while a new technology emerges for a different type of foam, or a different type of orientation of materials. Over the last few years, a new type of particle has emerged. This particle is nickel-plated aluminum. The nickel-plated aluminum is usually dispersed in silicone, or fluorosilicone rubber. It has a good mix of properties that include:
Properties of Nickel Coated Aluminum Silicone/Fluorosilicone Gaskets
-Galvanic Corrosion Resistance, leading to a longer life span
-Long term price stability
-Fluorosilicone, and Silicone Rubber Options available
-Great shielding performance
Commercially Available Nickel Aluminum Gaskets/Gasketing Products
Specialty Silicone Products, SNA-568, and SNAF-572 (silicone, and fluorosilicone respectively)
Parker Chomerics Cho-Seal 6502, Cho-Seal 6503 (silicone, and fluorosilicone respectively)
Why is Galvanic Corrosion a Problem?
Salt Spray is a constant concern in military marine applications. Aboard military ships at sea, saltspray can cause galvanic corrosion in between surfaces. When normal EMI gaskets are placed in an application, there are dissimlar metals in contact in the presence of an electrolyte such as salt spray, for example aluminum, and nickel can cause galvanic corrosion. There are a few solutions for this when it comes to EMI/RFI galvanic corrosion resistant gaskets. We discussed a type of passivated silver aluminum in another blog; this was due to the same problem. However, the passivated silver aluminum incurs the same problem as pure silver; capricious pricing varies, and can skyrocket due to the price of silver itself.
How does Nickel Coated Aluminum Solve this Problem?
Nickel Aluminum Gaskets offer some of the best galvanic corrosion available for aluminum surfaces even pinned up against common passivated silver aluminum materials that are marketed/engineered for that reason.
Salt-Spray Specifications
ASTM B117 , Operating Salt Spray (Fog)
Salt Fog per Method 509.5 of MIL-STD-810
More Information for Nickel Coated Aluminum Gaskets
NEDC manufactures custom EMI gaskets through waterjet cutting, and die-cutting. In addition, NEDC can laminate these gasketing materials with electrically conductive tapes. For more information on Nickel Aluminum EMI Gasketing materials, please contact sales@nedc.com.