Fabrics and their composites for electromagnetic shielding applications

Abstract

This issue of Textile Progress reviews research and development into electromagnetic shielding materials for blocking a wide range of frequencies. Different shielding materials such as metals, metal-coated materials, polymer-coated materials, conductive filler-reinforced polymers, conductive fabrics and their composites are reviewed in detail, as are hybrid shielding materials prepared by applying a ferrite or polymer coating to conventional shields and using single-layer or multilayer coatings. Research work carried out on hybrid shields is elaborated in this review as is the development of shields with various functionalities; shields possessing high mechanical strength, water repellency and other properties to enhance their robustness have been developed by researchers for outdoor applications and hostile environments. Different testing methods, standards and the limitations of tests used for assessing the shielding effectiveness of materials are discussed. The directions currently being taken in research into electromagnetic shielding and the future scope for textile materials as effective screens for blocking electromagnetic radiation emissions are explained.

Keywords:

• conductive fillers
• electromagnetic shielding fabrics
• electromagnetic shielding effectiveness
• magnetic shielding
• hostile environments
• conductive composites
• copper fabrics
• stainless steel fabrics
• intrinsically conducting polymers
• high-performance fibres
• nanofibres
• carbon nanotubes
• communication security
• eavesdropping
• health risks
• standards
• test methods

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.