Fabrication of flexible thin veneer for electromagnetic interference shielding and decoration through simple electroless plating

A widely applicable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and decorative thin veneer containing copper was prepared with simple electroless technology. Copper was used as the structural and EMI reflection component to reinforce the mechanical strength and EMI shielding effectiveness. Both the texture and structural properties of copper deposited on poplar wood were characterized. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the copper deposited on poplar wood had a crystallite size between 7.9 nm and 15.9 nm, and the copper crystallites grew rapidly as the number of electroless runs increased, which was consistent with the resistivity and microscopy analyses. The mechanical and EMI shielding effectiveness results showed that after two electroless runs, the wood veneer surface was completely covered, which improved the EMI shielding effectiveness and mechanical properties of wood veneer. The material could be bent 360° without being damaged and had a good decorative effect.