Textile shields against electromagnetic, infrared radiation

A new textile treatment developed by the Hohenstein Institute, Bönnigheim, Germany, and ITCF Denkendorf, Germany, integrates protection against two types of radiation: electromagnetic “electrosmog” interference from electrical devices and infrared radiation from fire or sunlight. Artificial fibers are dosed by indium tin oxide (ITO) integrated into or coating fibers, and then can be made into personal protective equipment for firefighters, workers in foundries and welding, and in the semiconductor industry.

The treatment proved resistant to washing, abrasion and weathering, and did not increase biological risk or discomfort for the wearer. Potential applications include a variety of domestic and technical textile products, such as office blinds that can screen out solar radiation and also protect equipment from electrosmog from mobile phone masts. In military uniforms, the infrared protection can make the wearer invisible to infrared cameras while protecting against electromagnetic radiation.