Three-dimensional orthogonal woven hybrid fabrics in X band frequency region for electromagnetic shielding effectiveness

Abstract

The three-dimensional fabric structures with metallic yarns and different fibers offer additional opportunities to enhance the electromagnetic shielding potential. This study involves the manufacturing of a Three-Dimensional Orthogonal Woven (3DOW) hybrid conductive fabric to be potentially used in an electromagnetic shielding field. 3DOW fabric consisting of copper filament-based core-sheath hybrid yarn in the weft direction has been manufactured to obtain maximum shielding effect. Hybrid yarns were produced using the DREF-III spinning technique, having copper filament in the core and sheathing by Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) staple fibers. The experiment was designed using Box-Behnken method. The orthogonal fabric samples are tested in an electromagnetic frequency region of 8-12 GHz using Free Space Measurement System (FSMS) to estimate absorbance, reflectance, and transmittance. Hybrid yarn parameters such as PPS fiber diameter, copper filament diameter, and yarn linear density considerably affect electromagnetic shielding. 3DOW fabric’s electromagnetic shielding effect increase with the diameter of the copper core filament, as does PPS yarn’s diameter, showing a promising trend towards shielding. The findings of orthogonal structure can be further extended in other Three-Dimensional structures like multi-layer, angle interlock, draperies, and tops for civilians and soldierly applications.