Material Analysis and Application for Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Wave Shielding

Our environment is full of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation due to rapid progress of wireless communication technologies, which have many applications, such as base stations of mobile communication networks and wireless internet antennas. In the context of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) discipline, the word shield is used to describe any sort of metal sheet or material capable of reflecting, refracting or absorbing electromagnetic radiation (EMR), which is custom manufactured for the target electronic device casing, in a way to intervene any radiation passing to and from the device. Examining of electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) is an important part of not only ensuring electromagnetic compatibility and of protecting electrical and electronic equipment but also protection of human beings against electromagnetic energy exposure as well. In this study, after a brief introduction and review on electromagnetic shielding, material selection and their applications for an indoor environment protection against electromagnetic radiation are explained. Potential electromagnetic shielding values of fabrics found in the market have been analyzed and compared by considering various criteria and requirements. Experimental results show that around 20 dB shielding effectiveness values can be obtained using test fabrics for a typical indoor environment.