Conductive Polymers
Electromagnetic Interference Shielding (EMI)
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Plastics and Degradable Plastics for Electronics
INTRODUCTION
Wave Shield Tech, Inc., a company that provides electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI) and electrostatic discharge (ESD) dissipation degradable injection molded plastic enclosures, conductive plastic film, gaskets, adhesives, conductive fibers and pellets for the electronics industry, to comply with the USA and international electromagnetic compatibility EMC regulations. These products protect sensitive electronic components to meet international regulatory compliance. We have the ability to design and manufacture a cost effective product for your needs; i.e., computer products, military applications, personal communications, medical applications, telecommunications, automotive electronics, and industrial products. We can design, prototype molds, and pre-test products for certification. Some of these activities are outsource to certified firms.
PLASTICS AND THE ENVIRONMENT:
Two major problems emerging world wide are (1) pressure put on landfills by discarded plastics and (2) electromagnetic pollution from the operation of electrical and electronic devices. The primary cause of these problems comes from the industrialization of society as environmental concerns regarding waste management continue to mount. Conductive degradable plastics are becoming an increasingly important alternative in the waste management puzzle. Across the world landfill space is becoming glutted at an alarming rate. As old sites fill with non-degradable materials, communities often open new sites, despite political unpopularity and environmental destruction.
In 1996, the U.S. produced about 68 billion pounds of petroleum based plastics, of which 31 billion were discarded in landfills. The European Union (EU) requires that all materials used in products that are manufactured are the responsibility of the company manufacturing the products, therefore when a cell phone is manufactured, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to dispose of the product once its consumer life has ended. We expect similar regulations to be imposed in other countries. It would be more practical and economical to manufacture with EMI degradable plastics.
Although any single approach cannot completely solve municipal solid waste problems, most communities recognize the value of recycling efforts aimed at reusing materials otherwise destined to occupy landfills. Communities are also beginning to recognize the enviromental benefits of degradable plastics. Wave Shield Tech, Inc., is introducing its line of EMI shielding degradable plastics, the iRytex Series, to prevent plastic pollution caused by non-degradable conductive electronic enclosures, gaskets, and adhesives used by electronics.
iRytex plastics characteristics include:
The iRytex Series
Today there are three major polymer groups that either are in the market or positioning to enter. They are Polylactides (PLA), Polyhydroxybutyrate (PBH), and Starch based polymers. These melt-processable thermoplastics are completely non-toxic and fully compostable, reverting through biological action to their basic constituents, carbon dioxide and water. There are two additional degradable polymer groups that need to be identified that are made from starch, Mater BI and Novon, a starch based resin that contains performance enhancing additives, such as synthetic linear polymers, plasticizers, and compounds that trigger or accelerate degradability. The third major type polymer consists of polyhydroxybutyrate (PBH) and polyhydroxyvalerate. Presently, there are many scientists around the world who have created laboratory samples of other degradable plastics. However, at this time, the resins that we listed above represent, to the best of our knowledge, the only commercially available degradable polymers with the potential to make EMI shielding for widespread use in the electronics industry.
The EMI shielding degradable plastics we provide DO NOT DEGRADE during common every day use. They must be introduced to an environment that supports their decomposition, therefore, a product WILL NOT "dissolve" or degrade when held in your hands or in a typical office environment. Subject to the materials being used, the products will degrade in a compost environment in a time frame between 6 weeks and 2 years.
EMI, ESD, HERP and EMC:
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), and Hazards for Electromagnetic Radiation to Personnel (HERP) are problems commonly confronted in the electrical and electronics industries. Precautions include the use of electroconductive materials, shields metals, alloys, and conductive plastics composites. EMI shielding is defined by the shielding effectiveness of the material based upon its attenuation which is defined as the absolute value on the logarithmic scale representing the ratio between incident radiation and the amount that succeeds in penetrating the shield, therefore shielding effectiveness is the number decibels of by which the shield reduces the electromagnetic field strength, SE=logE'/E dB. The total shielding effectiveness of a material is equal to the sum of the absorption loss (A), plus the reflection loss (R), plus a correction factor (B) to account for multiple reflections in thin shields. Total shielding effectiveness, therefore, can be written as SE=A+B+R dB. All of the terms in equation 2 must be expressed in dB. The multiple reflection factor B can be neglected if the absorption loss is greater than 9 dB. From a practical point of view, B can be neglected for electric and plane waves.
The effects of EMI can range from a minor nuisance to catastrophic consequences. A minor nuisance is when someone is watching a television program and interference, such as snow, appears momentarily on the screen due to the operation of an electrical or electronic appliance, such as a hair dryer or a cellular phone. On the other hand, a serious consequence could result if an interfering signal disturbs the normal operation of a medical device being used to monitor the condition of a patient under intensive care in a hospital. EMI can produce devastating effects, such as the activiation of an explosive device ignition system.
On July 29, 1967, the U.S. Aircraft Carrier Forrestal cruised off the coast of North Vietnam. It's jets had already flown more than 700 sorties and there was no reason to expect this day to be any different. Not threatened by enemy aircraft, the A4 Skyhawk on the deck were loaded with two 1000 lb. bombs, air to ground and air to air missiles and they were ready to take off. On the deck of that carrier, attached to the wing, was an improperly mounted shielded connector. As the radar swept around, its RF voltages generated on that cable, igniting a missile which streaked across the deck, striking an aircraft and blowing its fuel tanks apart. Its two heavy bombs rolled to the deck and exploded, wing tip to wing tip. The planes burned and the bombs exploded, fire spread below deck and before it was extinguished, 134 men were dead or missing. Automobile electronic ignition systems have been known to fail due to EMI from another car's ignition system or even the operation of the car's radio. These examples are indicative of the nature and potential consequences of EMI and the importance of its effective control to achieve Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC).
EMC is defined as the ability of an electronic device to function as designed with their intended environment without degrading the performance due to EMI. Metals are extremely effective EMI shields but expensive and impractical for mass production. Conductive degradable plastics, on the other hand, are an effective alternative to provide EMI shielding and prevent plastic pollution.
The EMI shielding technologies for the metallization of plastics can be applied to:
Once iRytex degradable product's useful life is over, it can be placed in a compost pile. The resins will degrade, breaking down primarily through the action of micro-organisms. Any non-plastic components can be disposed of by using current compost methods. Composting will also eliminate disassemble of the products into these separate parts.
WAVE SHIELD TECH'S TEAM
Victor A. Rivas, founder and president of Wave Shield Tech, Inc., has worked with EMI shielding for the last 15 years and with degradable plastics for the last five years, either as an associate researcher, principal investigator, or as Wave Shield Tech's Chief Technology Officer. In 1991 through 1995, Rivas participated with the USA Department of Energy at the Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Metals and Ceramics Division, in the development of advanced EMI shielding matrix plastics composites for military and commercial electronic applications.
In 1994, Rivas joined NASA Lewis Research Center, Electro-Physics Branch, under a Space Act Agreement to produce and apply novel magnetic plastics to protect space electronics against all forms of electromagnetic interference, including magnetic solar storms. Rivas coined the phrases "Electromagnetic Vacuums," "Tri-dimensional Shielding," and "Innovate the Innovation."
In early 1993, Rivas started a project to produce electroconductive degradable polymers for electronics in 1994-1998. The UL tests performed with the conductive degradable plastics showed acceptable levels of EMI shielding according to FCC regulations and Mil-Std 285.
Some of the papers Rivas has written are:
Economics of Conductive Degradable Plastics for Electronics. Southwest Research Institute Chemical Engineering Division, (August 1997).
Low Frequency Magnetic Shielding Composites. U.S. Department of Energy Oak Ridge National Laboratory, (April 1993).
The Use of Magnetic Optical Imaging as a Tool for EMI Shielding Quality Control in Injection Molded Electronic Enclosures. NASA Lewis Research Center, (May 1998).
Anti-Static Degradable Films (An Application for Degradable Anti-Static Bags to Carry Senstitive Electronic Componets).
Rivas has had several speaking engagements in the USA, Europe and Latin America. Topics included technology and economics of degradable plastics in the electronics industry. Most recently on January 27 and 28, 1999, Mr. Rivas gave a lecture in Lincoln, Nebraska, to the Association of Concrete Pavers on the manufacturing of electroconductive concrete and engineering application of (a) EMI Shielding, (b) Electrical Grounding and (c) Cathodic Protection of Reinforcement.
Rivas's activities routinely require that he conduct technical feasibility analysis and create marketing plans for innovative new tech products. These documents, by their nature, require the ability to analyze and synthesize data and theoretical constructs from various sources. Rivas will continue to provide vision and control of the activities of Wave Shield Tech, Inc. Rivas has served as co-chairman on the U.S.-Mexico Subcommittee on Energy and Environmental Issues along the U.S.-Mexican Border. This was a subcommittee created by a White House initiative under President Ronald Reagan and the President of Mexico.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
The general EMI shielding and ESD markets vary and are diversified. They cover all aspects of the electronics industry. The "CE" mark is now mandatory for a wide range of products sold in the European Union (EU) and the acceptability of polluting chemicals is ending in the United States and around the world, creating new technological challenges and business opportunities.
Wave Shield Tech designs and manufactures world wide EMI shielding and ESD plastic injection molded products for international regulatory compliance such as:
Consumer Electronics such as video games, cellular phones, etc.
Industrial Applications
Medical Electronics
Telecommunication
Automotive Electronics
Shielding Rooms
Avionics
Military Devices
Many More
We have the option to make EMI shielded, ESD plastic enclosures of:
BioDegradable Plastics
Degradable Plastics
Petroleum Based Plastics
Recyclable Plastics
If your applications require ruggedization for harsh points of environment use, options include:
Shock Resistance to Excessive Gravity (G) Forces
Temperature Resistance Range from -40º C to +70º C
Resistance to Water, Dust, Rain, Snow, even submersion if necessary
Where heat dissipation is required, the heat transfer characteristics of the plastic part can be tailored to meet your specifications
COST COMPARISONS
The difference that exists between the technologies for a given application can favor one process over the other but the differences are normally based upon specifications, number of parts, environmental concerns, and regulations that tilt the cost elements in one direction or another. Wave Shield Tech, Inc., combines different EMI shielded and ESD dissipation technologies and processes the materials to meet your product specifications.
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
Wave Shield Tech, Inc., is looking for companies and individuals interested in these new emerging materials and technologies. We invite them to join us for the successful development of Wave Shield Tech's business opportunities in the USA, Japan, Europe, Latin American, and many other countries. Wave Shield Tech's management team routinely conducts technical feasibility analysis and marketing plans for innovative EMI shielding products to provide vision and control of Wave Shield Tech's activities. Presently, we are designing for a private company to produce an EMI shielded plastic injection molded medical device to monitor the heart pulse rate. Wave Shield Tech, Inc., and NASA Lewis Research Center have signed a Space Act Agreement for the development of next generation of EMI shielding materials. Wave Shield Tech stands ready to assist companies in their conductive plastics materials and technology needs. Contact us to send you free literature or estimates.
Wave Shield Tech, Inc., Questionnaire Form
If your browser does not support forms, please send electronic mail to victor_rivas@hotmail.com. Be sure to include your name, address, zip/postal code, phone number and E-mail address.
Full Name: ______________________________________________________
Company: ______________________________________________________
Address or P.O. Box: ______________________________________________________
City, State, and Postal Code: ______________________________________________________
Country: ______________________________________________________
Phone Number: ______________________________________________________
Fax Number: ______________________________________________________
E-mail Address: ______________________________________________________
Website Address: ______________________________________________________
Type of Interference:
_____ A/C Magnetic _____ A/C Electric _____ Plane Wave
_____ D/C Magnetic _____ Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
What is the frequency range (Mhz)? _____ Minimum _____ Maximum
Shielding effectiveness (SE) required: _____ dB
International regulatory compliance required: i.e. European Community, etc. ________________
Additional Product Requirements:
______________________________________________________________________ ________
Any specifications of use: i.e. heat, moisture, etc. ____________________________________
What is the temperature range? _____ Minimum _____ Maximum
Mail or Fax to:
Victor A. Rivas, CEO or
Rivas Technologies
Phone: (402 770-6552)
NASA-LIFT., 4440 Warrensville Center Road
Cleveland, OH 44128
Phone: (216) 586-3077
Victor Rivas
E-mail: victor_rivas@Hotmail.com
