Reflection/Transmission study of two fabrics with microwave properties.

Abstract

In this study, the transmission and reflection of two conductive fabrics are investigated in the frequency range from 2 to 18 GHz. One of the fabrics is a non-woven polypyrrole, and the other consists of a polyethylene warp with steel threads in the weft. Reflection and transmission measurements are performed in order to characterize the electromagnetic properties of the materials. Reflection measurements are performed for two polarizations at normal, 0°, and 60° incident angles. Transmission measurements are also done for two polarization directions at normal incidence. The results show that the fabric with the steel filler reflects most of the incident radiation, and has very low transmission with some polarization dependence. The polypyrrole non-woven fabric, on the other hand, has reflection and transmission properties that show that it is absorbing the incident radiation. Wearable on-body sensors that in addition are comfortable to wear can be integrated in the textile of clothes. These sensors can e.g., be used to monitor health or analyze gait. The fabrics have the potential to be used in health applications when designing on-body sensors, e.g. for movement analysis.