Architectural designs for efficient EMI-shielding textiles: from numerical simulations to screen-printing implementation

The growing demand for fast, interconnected electronic systems calls for innovative solutions to manage the impact of excessive electromagnetic radiation. In response, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shields are being developed to maximize protection against radiation exposure. Herein, a numerical simulation model is presented to evaluate the shielding effectiveness (SE) of different periodic quadrangular structures over the frequency band of 5.85–18.00 GHz. In parallel, EMI shielding textiles are experimentally produced accordingly to the simulated geometries by an easy one-step screen-printing process with silver ink. The SE from simulations showed a correlation with the experimental data, thus accessing the impact of geometric variations on shielding performance. Through numerical simulations, it becomes feasible to optimize the SE while minimizing material usage, production costs, and supporting adaptable design configurations. SE > 30 dB was achieved with a quadrangular silver ink mesh (line width and spacing of 1 mm), qualified as excellent for EMI shielding textiles for general applications. This material was further utilized in a proof-of-concept involving the development of a phone case, where it was demonstrated a measurable reduction in detected radiation. The adaptability of these functional textiles, characterized by flexibility and minimal thickness underscores their potential for practical deployment in real-world scenarios.