Electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of copper plated fabrics

Abstract

Electroless plating of copper on cotton and polyester fabrics has been done with varying CuSO₄ concentration (8, 12, 16 and 20 g/L) and temperature (30°, 40°, 50° & 60° C) for 30min at all levels. The plating depositions are characterized by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction respectively. The physical properties, such as tensile strength, tear strength, abrasion resistance and electromagnetic interference shielding performances have also been investigated. It is found that the tensile and tear strength of cotton and polyester fabrics decrease with the increase in CuSO₄ concentration. The abrasion resistance of copper plated cotton fabric decreases more than that of polyester fabric. The surface resistance of the copper plated polyester fabric shows poor electrical resistance and the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness, but has high shielding effectiveness up to 30dB than cotton fabrics.