Enhanced electro-conductivity and multi-shielding performance with copper, stainless steel and titanium coating onto PVA impregnated cotton fabric.

Samples of the woven cotton fabric are first modified with a continuous polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) thin film by using the padding method and then coated with copper (Cu), titanium and stainless steel (SS) respectively, by using a magnetron sputtering system. The samples are then systematically characterized with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope, X-ray diffractometer, and scanning electron microscope. The infrared (IR), ultraviolet and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of the samples are also well investigated, as well as the contact angle (CA), light transmittance and conductivity. The results show that pretreatment with PVA can enlarge the light transmittance of cotton fabric. The metal coated PVA/cotton samples show a better performance in electro-conductivity although there is a little bit decrease in other properties compared to the metal coated cotton fabric. The Cu coated PVA/cotton sample has a higher electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of − 30 dB, a lower electrical resistivity of 5.49 × 10⁻⁶ Ω m, while the Cu coated cotton sample presents a higher IR reflection rate about 25%, the SS coated cotton fabric show a higher CA of 128.2 °and UPF of 117.647. The excellent properties of the coated cotton fabric mean that it is a promising electro-conductive and multi-shielding textile for smart applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]