EFFECT OF KNIT STRUCTURES ON ELECTROMAGNETIC SHIELDING PROPERTIES OF KNITTED FABRICS

With the growth of technology, the usage of electronical devices is getting wider. These devices such as digital computers, calculators, printers, cellular telephones, TV monitor etc. cause electromagnetic fields, which could threaten the human life. The studies on the effects of electromagnetic fields on individuals' health in medical field showed that widely usage of electronic devices increases the stress factor and heart rate variability, also effects on metabolic activities and especially low frequency electromagnetic fields increase the risk of cancer. In order to solve this problem, the researchers are studying to develop textile surfaces having electromagnetic shielding properties. For this purpose, different types of conductive yams are used to produce textile surfaces such as curtains, high voltage garments, pregnancy clothings, blankets, composites etc. In this study it was aimed to develop the textile surfaces knitted with conductive yarns. Different types of knitted fabrics were produced on flat bed knitting machines. Then the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of these fabrics was measured and the effects of the knit structures on the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of knitted fabrics were evaluated.