In the quest to shield sensitive electronic equipment from electromagnetic interference (EMI), researchers have long turned to conductive textiles. But a new study, published in the journal *Materials & Design* (translated from Czech as *Materials & Design*), suggests that not all conductive fabrics are created equal. Brigita Kolcavová Sirková, a researcher from the Department of Technologies and Structures at the Technical University of Liberec in the Czech Republic, has conducted a comparative study that could reshape the way we think about EMI shielding in the energy sector and beyond.
Kolcavová Sirková’s research focuses on the electromagnetic shielding efficiency (SE) of weft-knitted and woven fabrics made from the same conductive yarn containing short stainless steel (SST) fibers. The study is the first to directly compare the electromagnetic wave attenuation capabilities of these two fundamental textile structures under constant parameters. “The arrangement of conductive yarn within the structure plays a crucial role in shielding effectiveness,” Kolcavová Sirková explains. “This aspect has not been thoroughly investigated until now.”
The findings are significant. Weft-knitted fabrics, which consist of a single continuous conductive yarn, form parallel-oriented conductive pathways. This structure exhibits lower shielding effectiveness, as the electromagnetic waves can find paths of least resistance. In contrast, woven fabrics, with their two orthogonal systems of conductive yarns forming a grid, demonstrate superior performance. They attenuate electromagnetic waves more effectively in multiple directions, providing a higher level of shielding at the same volume fraction of the conductive component.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. As the demand for renewable energy sources grows, so does the need for efficient and reliable electronic equipment. EMI shielding is critical in protecting these systems from electromagnetic waves that can disrupt their operation. “Woven fabrics could be a game-changer in this regard,” says Kolcavová Sirková. “Their superior shielding effectiveness could enhance the performance and longevity of electronic equipment in the energy sector.”
Moreover, the study’s innovative approach—combining experimental investigation with theoretical analysis and numerical simulations—sets a new standard for research in this field. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between textile structure and shielding effectiveness, paving the way for future developments.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the demand for advanced materials that can protect sensitive electronic equipment from EMI will only increase. Kolcavová Sirková’s research offers valuable insights into the potential of woven fabrics in this regard. It highlights the importance of considering the arrangement of conductive yarn within the textile structure when designing EMI shielding solutions. This could lead to the development of more effective and efficient shielding materials, ultimately benefiting the energy sector and other industries that rely on electronic equipment.
In the words of Kolcavová Sirková, “This research is just the beginning. There is still much to explore in the field of conductive textiles and their applications in EMI shielding.” As we look to the future, her work serves as a reminder of the power of innovation and the potential of materials science to shape our world.