Recent advances in ceramic matrix composites for electromagnetic interference shielding: Mechanisms, components and structural design

Electromagnetic interference issues are becoming increasingly prominent in high-frequency communication, aerospace, and high-temperature electronic systems, placing higher demands on the lightweight, high-temperature resistance, structural stability, and broadband electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of shielding materials. Ceramic matrix composites have become important candidate materials for electromagnetic shielding in extreme environments due to their excellent thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and mechanical properties. However, most ceramic matrices have low intrinsic electrical conductivity, requiring the introduction of conductive reinforcement phases, interface regulation, and multi-scale structural design to achieve effective electromagnetic wave attenuation. This article systematically reviews the electromagnetic shielding mechanisms of ceramic matrix composites, focusing on the analysis of the effects of reinforcements, interface layers, and ceramic matrices on conductive loss, polarization loss, magnetic loss, and impedance matching, and summarizes structural design strategies such as gradient, multilayer, porous, sandwich, and segregated structures. Finally, this article discusses the challenges faced by ceramic-based shielding materials in terms of high-temperature stability, broadband response, lightweight design, and engineering fabrication, providing a reference for the development of high-performance ceramic-based electromagnetic shielding materials for extreme environments.