Design and Performance Analysis of Kids’ Garments Prototypes Against Electromagnetic Radiation Part_I: Seam Efficiency and Impact of Repeated Washing Cycles on the Shielding Performance

Abstract

Studies have shown that electromagnetic radiation, which is declared by the World Health Organization to have biological effects on metabolisms, causes health problems such as brain tumors, Alzheimer's, allergies, stress, depression and sleep disorders. Therefore, the damage caused to the human body by electromagnetic waves has become a priority for professionals and academics. Great efforts are being made to develop technical textiles that provide shielding to prevent or reduce this radiation. Since radiation sensitivity in children is much higher than in adults, within the scope of this study, it is aimed to develop clothes for electromagnetic radiation protection, especially for children who spend long hours with mobile devices such as cell phones and tablets. For this aim, double-layered knitted fabric structures connected by loop transfers were developed. Six different conductive knitted structures were manufactured with various conductive/cotton yarn combinations on flat knitting machine. Electromagnetic shielding tests were performed on these samples for both vertical and horizontal directions, also these tests were applied before and after washing cycles. Moreover, 3D virtual prototype designs were made and then these designs were produced as a total of 12 short-sleeve and long-sleeve t-shirts. Sewing quality performances of these fabric structures were also analyzed to evaluate the potential of these prototypes to convert to commercial products. Although the seam strength was found to be good enough, the seam efficiency could not exceed 50%. Therefore, when designing a protective clothing for electromagnetic waves, attention should be paid to the placement position of the fabric on the clothing and before making a decision.