Blocking electromagnetic interference (EMI) and concealing infrared heat signatures are two completely separate engineering problems. Currently they require separate materials and separate solutions. On September 21 2026, researchers announced a film thinner than a human hair that does both simultaneously. The film blocks electromagnetic waves, protecting electronics from interference or detection. It also suppresses infrared emission, making a surface appear thermally invisible. Potential applications: ultra-thin EMI shielding for electronics, thermal camouflage for military hardware, combined heat management and interference shielding for satellite components. Two engineering problems. One material.

Sep 24, 2026 · 12:47 PM UTC

15
25
426
95,544
Sort replies: Relevant Recent Liked
Replying to @engineers_feed
As with many materials engineering 'breakthroughs' there is a lot of distance between demonstration and production. That said, it would be pretty cool.
1
291
Replying to @engineers_feed
But, what is it? Graphene?
Made with AI
188
Replying to @engineers_feed
EMI shield and IR cloak in one film thinner than hair is the kind of materials win that usually takes a decade.
340
Replying to @engineers_feed
When I can buy some at Harbor Freight I'll get excited!
8
Replying to @engineers_feed
If it were made into a phone case, it would definitely be the best
32
Replying to @engineers_feed
Aluminum foil?
2
5
197
Replying to @engineers_feed
Who?
2
1
200
Replying to @engineers_feed
Two problems. One stack. That is the rare win. Most systems fail the other way: one shield for interference, another for heat, then a joint that becomes the new fault. The material is interesting. The process of not adding a second layer is the engineering.
29
Replying to @engineers_feed
It's sounds great, but of course, when more details emerge: “A 17.5 µm film with ~90 dB lab shielding is useful, but it is not a sufficient defense against a determined adversary trying to destroy satellites or ground equipment.”
187
Replying to @engineers_feed
But it wont stop a super duper smart AI from escaping and killing everyone.
168
Replying to @engineers_feed
Metal shields already have low IR emissivity, so the trick is keeping both while staying hair-thin. Any word on heat durability?
3
Replying to @engineers_feed
This post is direct proof that an AI writes the posts for the account.
109
Replying to @engineers_feed
It's the material with no name. Directed by Clint Eastwood.
1
43