Novel knitted fabric structures for shielding against electromagnetic and thermal radiation from laptops and mobile phones

This research paper presents some novel knitted fabric structures for highly effective protection against electromagnetic and thermal radiation from laptops and mobile phones. A cutting-edge composite yarn was developed by spinning stainless steel wire and polyester fibers into a sheath-core structure using a lab-scale machine under controlled environmental conditions. The study explored the impact of different combinations of knit, tuck, miss, and transfer stitches on the shielding effectiveness, thermal resistance, and air permeability of ten different knitted structures. Results revealed that a novel single-jersey derivative, featuring a unique loop structure and optimum hole size, demonstrated the highest overall shielding effectiveness, lowest thermal resistance, and highest air permeability. The study also found that double jersey structures displayed greater stiffness and lower elongation at break values compared to single jersey structures. The paper concludes that the size and shape of the holes in knitted structures are crucial determinants of EMI shielding and other functional properties. The novel single jersey derivative structure developed in this study may be an ideal choice for making knitted undergarments, providing effective shielding of the genital area from harmful radiation from laptops and mobile phones. Future research could focus on investigating additional factors affecting EMI shielding effectiveness, such as loop shape factor, yarn types, stitch length, and finishing treatments. This study's findings open up new avenues for the development of innovative knitted fabrics for enhanced electromagnetic and thermal radiation protection.