The Properties of Hemp Crocheted Fabric Product Mixed with Stainless Steel Yarn for Electromagnetic Shielding

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study the efficacy of electromagnetic
radiation shielding and the properties of crochet knitted fabric made from hemp yarn and
stainless steel yarn to re-design and develop fabric products, and to observe customers’
opinions towards the fabric products. The materials in this study included hemp yarn,
stainless steel yarn, and crochet hooks. The methods used in this study were, firstly,
studying two ratios in which the two yarns were knitted together in
the ratios 1:1 and 1:2 of hemp yarn and stainless steel yarn respectively. Two Knitting
patterns were studied: the first pattern consisted of the two yarns knitted together all the
way through the length of the fabric and the second pattern consisted of repetitions of
two rows of knitted hemp yarn followed by a row of knitted stainless steel yarn. Crochet
techniques to create crochet knitted fabric made of hemp yarn and stainless steel yarn
types were: single, half double, triple, double and triple crochets. The results indicated
that the above ratios, patterns and the knitting techniques of hemp yarn with stainless
steel yarn affected the electromagnetic wave protection efficiency and its physical
properties (p<0.05). The usability of this fabric in both width and weft knitting decreased
5%. The ability to shield against electromagnetic radiation of the fabric decreases after the
fabric was washed 1, 3, 5 and 10 times. The customers’ satisfaction towards the 4 patterns
of the crochet knitted fabric characteristic was the highest level.