Abstract
Resistance against penetration of various rays including electromagnetic waves (EM), infrared rays (IR), and ultraviolet rays (UV) has been realized by using copper (Cu)-coated fabrics. However, the corrosion of the Cu on coated fabrics influenced the shielding effectiveness of the various rays. Besides, the metal-coated fabrics have high density and are unbreathable. This work aims to solve the problem by incorporating nickel (Ni) into the Cu coating on the ultra-light polyester fibrous materials (Milife® composite nonwoven fabric—10 g/m2, abbreviation Milife) via electroless plating. The electromagnetic interference (EMI), IR test, ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), water contact angle, and air permeability of the Cu/Ni-coated Milife fabric were measured. All the samples were assumed as ultra-light and breathable by obtaining the similar fabric density (~10.57 g/m2) and large air permeability (600–1050 mm/s). The Cu/Ni deposition on the Milife fabrics only covered the fibers. The EM shielding effectiveness (SE) decreased from 26 to 20 dB, the IR reflectance (Rinfrared) decreased from 0.570 to 0.473 with increasing wNi from 0 to 19.5 wt %, while the wNi improved the UPF from 9 to 48. Besides, addition of Ni changed the Cu/Ni-coated Milife fabric from hydrophilicity to the hydrophobicity by observing WCA from 77.7° to 114°.
Highlights
Electromagnetic pollution has increased rapidly because of the rapid growth of smartphone, wireless, and utilization of other electronic devices [1]
Deionized water was used for the contact angle measurement as a testing liquid
Total of 5 μL was used as the volume of testing liquid for all the measurement
Summary
Electromagnetic pollution has increased rapidly because of the rapid growth of smartphone, wireless, and utilization of other electronic devices [1]. These equipment’s emits the electromagnetic energy with respect to the different frequency which causes serious concerns to the exposed human body [2]. Shielding of electromagnetic waves is here achieved by the absorption and reflection of electromagnetic (EM) radiation in the metal-coated fabrics and its shielding effectiveness (SE) is given to the evaluate the EMI level [5]. The metal-deposited fabrics with enhanced electromagnetic shielding are considered
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