Production of electromagnetic shielding fabrics by optimization of electroless silver plating conditions for PET fabrics

This study aimed to investigate the optimal electroless silver plating conditions on poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) to develop electromagnetic shielding fabrics by comparison with two different activation agents (silver nitrate mixture and palladium chloride mixture). The add-on yield and thickness of plated fabrics were improved when the electroless silver plating was performed after the activation by silver nitrate mixtures compared to the activation by palladium chloride mixtures. The stability of plated surfaces after the activation by silver nitrate mixtures was proved after laundering by surface morphology and electromagnetic wave shielding effectiveness. The electroless silver plating condition was optimized to temperature of 15 °C, plating time of 30 min, dextrose concentration of 45 g/L, and silver nitrate concentrations as a plating material of 50 g/L. The electromagnetic wave shielding effectiveness and electrical conductivity of plated fabrics were maintained even after repeated laundering cycles. Electron probe microanalysis was concluded that the silver was attached on plated PET surfaces, and about 17.8% of silver was observed by inductive coupled plasma spectrometer.