Synergistic fire safety and electromagnetic interference shielding performances of cotton fabrics with dual doping PEDOT:PSS coatings
摘要
The lightweight and adjustable properties of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding textiles make them an ideal choice as a layer in firefighting suits designed for complex electromagnetic environments. Enhancing the flame retardant performance of EMI shielding textiles is essential to mitigate rapid combustion risks in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or fires, thereby reducing fire spread and minimizing damage caused by fire escalation. This study demonstrates the rapid and efficient preparation of flame retardant EMI shielding textiles by employing a spray method to coat cotton fabrics with Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) doped with ethylene glycol (EG) and phytic acid (PA). The resulting coating exhibited a shielding effectiveness test (SET) value of 46.61 dB, effectively blocking 99.99% of electromagnetic waves (EMWs). Even after undergoing 600 bending cycles, the SET value could still maintain 42.34 dB. PA not only functions as a dopant to significantly enhance the electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS but also confers superior flame retardant properties. In comparison with untreated cotton fabric, the peak heat release rate (pHRR) was reduced from 140.77 to 10.73 kW/m2, representing an impressive reduction of 92.37%. The total heat release (THR) decreased from 3.97 to 2.04 MJ/m2, marking a substantial decrease of 48.61%. The coated fabric exhibited excellent flame retardant and EMI shielding performance. Furthermore, this innovative material is anticipated to find extensive applications in smart wearables and sensor technologies.