PPG announced new customization options for its PPG TESLIN EMI/RF (electromagnetic interference/radio-frequency) shielding material that offers enhanced RF-shielding performance for electronic passports (e-passports) and other electronic security documents.

Printed with PPG proprietary conductive inks, PPG Teslin EMI/RF shielding material can now be customized with higher-performing inks and more sophisticated shield pattern designs to meet specific end-user requirements for exceptional shielding effectiveness and product functionality. 

These new options enhance the substrate’s RF signal blocking and detuning performance over greater distances, enabling e-passports fabricated with the material to protect travelers’ personal data more effectively – even when their passports are slightly opened.

More than 75 nations currently rely on PPG Teslin substrate to secure and protect embedded electronics in their passport covers due to the material’s tamper-evidence capability, cushioning and durability.

“This improved shielding material is a great example of how our products can fulfill PPG’s commitment to protect and beautify the world,” said Pierre Scaglia, PPG global segment manager, ID and security. “Whether through new physical or digital technologies, our customers are always looking for innovative ways to increase document security in the never-ending battle against identity fraud. Customer response to our RF shielding material has been very positive since the product adds value and a complementary option to their document security toolboxes.”

PPG Teslin EMI/RF shielding material, which now provides improved RF shielding at ISO/IEC 14443 field strengths, also offers the potential to reduce manufacturing costs.

“In today’s most sophisticated e-passports designs, encrypted data – stored in microchips and embedded into PPG Teslin substrate – is protected from unauthorized ’skimming’ by an additional shielding component,” Scaglia added. “The enhanced shielding performance provided by our improved material may eliminate the need for this additional shielding component, which can significantly lower material and production costs for these highly secure travel documents.”

PPG Teslin EMI/RF shielding material is ideal for a variety of products that can benefit from its signal-blocking capabilities or that require shielding or a durable grounding path to function properly. Examples include credit card pouches, electronic toll pass containers, grounding tapes, wearables, circuit boards, antennas and consumer electronics devices.

PPG will showcase PPG Teslin EMI/RF shielding material at Security Document World (SDW), which is being held virtually Nov. 16-18. SDW is the world’s leading conference and exhibition for security document professionals.

To learn more about PPG Teslin EMI/RF shielding material, visit teslin.com/RFshield.