Electromagnetic simulation integrated strategy to metamorphose commercial cotton into multifunctional electromagnetic interference shielding fabrics

In the dynamic landscape of wearable electronics, the demand for versatile electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials is on the rise. Despite numerous studies on multifunctional EMI shielding fabrics, research on developing such materials using resource-efficient and cost-effective strategies is scarce. The present study introduces a pioneering approach to crafting simulation-engineered carbonized cotton-based EMI shielding fabrics with diverse multifunctionality by leveraging the strategy of electromagnetic (EM) simulations and ferrite decoration. The exceptional conductivity of carbonized cotton stemming from plasmonic electronic states, together with ferrite integration, plays a significant role in enhancing the EMI shielding ability of the fabrics. Ferrite integration is found to be instrumental in reducing the reflection and enhancing the absorption of EM radiations. EM simulations based on a double-layer fabric model demonstrated ~ 60 dB shielding effectiveness for a fabric with 0.75mm thickness, which is further verified via experimental testing. A comprehensive analysis of the EM parameters of the shielding fabric unveiled the existence of unique high-frequency negative permittivity, the high dielectric loss of the order of 10, multiple dielectric-magnetic relaxations, and high attenuation constant in the order of 103, which significantly contributed to the effective absorption of EM waves. Furthermore, the fabricated EMI shielding fabrics exhibit a plethora of desirable traits, including superior Joule heating performance, photo-thermal capabilities, efficient thermal management, and remarkable hydrophobicity. Consequently, the findings position the multifunctional simulation-engineered EMI shielding fabrics developed in this study as compelling contenders for futuristic applications in wearable electronics, aligning closely with policies emphasizing cost-effectiveness and sustainability.