Space-structure-fabricated and Ni Film-deposited hybrid fabrics for enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding

In this work, high-performance hybrid fabrics for electromagnetic interference-shielding were constructed via a novel approach of space-structure fabrication and Ni film deposition. First, the composite yarns containing stainless steel filaments and stainless steel staple fibers were weaved into fabric. Then, the surface of the fabric was coated with a Ni film by magnetic filtration cathodic vacuum arc deposition technology. Optical microscopy illustrated that stainless steel filaments and stainless steel staple fibers formed complex structures of conductive grids. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed that Ni was deposited to form a Ni film on the surface of the fabric. Research result shows that the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of the hybrid fabrics was improved effectively through space-structure-fabricating and film-depositing. Film coating can improve the fabrics’ shielding effectiveness up to 12.14% under the same stainless-steel staple fibers content condition. As a result, the novel approach is an effective means for improving the shielding effectiveness of fabrics.