Investigation of electromagnetic shielding properties of metal composite tufted carpets

Abstract

In this research, it is aimed to develop tufted carpets with electromagnetic shielding (EMSE) effectiveness. For this purpose, stainless steel, copper, silver wires, and metalized silver PA filaments were commingled with textured polyester yarn to produce composite yarn. Composite yarns were used in tufted carpet backing fabric with different densities and directions. The EMSE of carpet samples was measured in the frequency range of 0.8-5.2 GHz by free space technique. The effects of metal type, composite yarn density, and placement direction on the EMSE were statistically analyzed in 0.8-3.0 and 3.0-5.2 GHz frequency ranges separately. Stainless steel and silver wires provided better EMSE in the range of 0.8-3.0 GHz. Stainless steel showed better EMSE in lower frequencies than 3 GHz. The metallized silver was more effective above 3 GHz. The increase in metal density significantly increased EMSE for all metal types. Carpets containing metal in two directions provided multidirectional shielding and maximum EMSE reached up to 44 dB level. As a result of the study, tufted carpets which can provide multi-axial protection were produced successfully.