Investigation on electromagnetic interference properties, surface resistivity and antibacterial activity of woven fabrics produced by cotton/metal composite yarns

In this study, the effect of design parameters of metal composite woven fabric on electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE), electrical resistivity and antibacterial activity properties were investigated. For this purpose, metal composite yarn including insulated copper, stainless steel, silver wires and silver coated polyamide (Shieldex) were plied with 100% cotton spun yarns by two-for-one twisting technique. Eight different composite fabrics were produced in hand loom with different metal composite yarn densities. 100% cotton fabric was also produced as control sample. EMSE, surface resistivity, antibacterial activity and circular bending rigidity tests were applied to the samples. As a result, all fabrics including metal composite yarns showed EMSE up to 53 dB levels. Stainless steel, silver wires and silver coated polyamide have 106 times lower surface resistivity than copper and control samples. Antibacterial activity of copper and silver samples were investigated for control purposes. Finally, antibacterial activity was not observed in both samples due to the insulation of copper and non-ionizable silver coating. © 2019 Chamber of Textile Engineers.