Study of Metal-Based Conductive Knitted Fabric Enhanced with Graphene/Iron Oxide Nanoparticles, and Metal-Based Ink

Abstract

For cancer patients, shielded fabrics are crucial in protecting against exposure to harmful radiation during certain treatments, such as microwave ablation. Shielding materials are essential for preventing dangerous radiation exposure for cancer patients during specific treatments. By limiting the amount of harmful radiation that can enter the body, these textiles lessen the chance that healthy tissues will be harmed. The knitted fabric was fabricated using a fourteen-gauge flatbed knitting machine, employing 0.03 mm stainless steel wire sheathed in polyester as the primary material. Graphene and iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and systematically deposited onto the fabric surface. Additionally, metal-based conductive inks were applied to assess the electromagnetic shielding efficacy of the conductive ink-treated fabrics. A comprehensive analysis of the surface morphology was conducted, confirming the successful deposition of the nanomaterials and conductive ink. The surface resistance measurements revealed distinct variations across the samples. Notably, the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding analysis indicated that the fabric treated with graphene and iron oxide nanoparticles exhibited higher shielding effectiveness compared to other treated samples.