Integrated EMI-Shielding CFRP Configurations for Lightweight UAV Panels: Evidence-Controlled Multi-Criteria Selection

Lightweight unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) panels require electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding with limited added mass and manageable manufacturing demands. This study compares seven experimentally reported thermoset carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) shielding configurations on a common X-band basis. The decision matrix combines paired mean shielding gain relative to each study’s matched pristine laminate, dry functional-modifier areal mass, and manufacturing and integration burden. TOPSIS and VIKOR were applied using reference weights of 0.40, 0.40, and 0.20. The polyaniline (PANI)-coated carbon-fabric CFRP containing 1 wt.% reduced graphene oxide/Fe3O4 hybrid (C4) ranked first by both methods, providing a 35.90 dB shielding gain at 13.26 g m−2 dry modifier mass. PANI-decorated ACF-7/CFRP (C3) ranked second under TOPSIS, while the two-veil MXene/PEDOT:PSS/APP-modified reclaimed-carbon-fiber CFRP (C6) ranked second under VIKOR. C4 ranked first in 18 of the 19 TOPSIS weight-sensitivity cases and in all 19 VIKOR cases. Across the 243 bounded-input cases, both methods also kept C4 at first place. Under the stated UAV panel priorities, C4 is the preferred balanced configuration, while C3 is the low-mass alternative and C6 the shielding-prioritized alternative. The framework provides a traceable screening route while retaining source-specific mechanical evidence outside the weighted score.