Since the Fourth Industrial Revolution, intelligent devices and network technologies have become deeply embedded in all aspects of our lives, and our dependence on various electronic devices, such as smartphones, wearable devices, and electrified vehi...
Since the Fourth Industrial Revolution, intelligent devices and network technologies have become deeply embedded in all aspects of our lives, and our dependence on various electronic devices, such as smartphones, wearable devices, and electrified vehicles, has continued to increase. These technological advancements have increased convenience, but at the same time, they have expanded the scope of electromagnetic wave exposure and created new environmental hazards. And the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)'s classification of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields and mobile communication electromagnetic waves as potential carcinogens has further highlighted the need for and importance of research on electromagnetic shielding technology. Accordingly, the development of practical, eco-friendly shielding materials is emerging as a major task. Recently, research has reported that Rhus lacquer, a natural material, is effective in shielding electromagnetic waves, drawing attention to its potential as a functional material. However, research verifying its application to jewelry design is still lacking.
This study aimed to utilize the geometric structure and repetitive patterns of the lattice patterns of traditional Korean architecture as design elements and to verify their potential by producing functional jewelry using Ottchil. The repetitive shape of the lattice pattern provides visual balance and stability, as well as a structural role in controlling the flow of light and air. By reflecting these characteristics in the brooch metal plate structure and combining it with the formation of Ottchil coating, a design was developed that simultaneously realized aesthetic value and electromagnetic shielding function. The production process is based on traditional metalsmithing, but utilizes 3D printing and laser cutting to ensure the precision of complex patterns. This can be seen as a practical approach that integrates traditional crafts with modern production technology.
As a result of measuring the electromagnetic shielding performance by dividing the number of Ottchil applications into 1 to 5, it was confirmed that the electromagnetic wave transmittance tended to decrease as the coating thickness increased. This result empirically reconfirms that Ottchil is a material with electromagnetic shielding capabilities, and suggests the possibility of expansion into the fields of wearable devices and electronic device accessories in addition to jewelry in the future. Furthermore, by utilizing the lattice pattern as a functional design principle rather than a decorative element, it was shown that the study of traditional patterns can be expanded into technology-based design.
This study is significant in that it proposes an eco-friendly electromagnetic shielding jewelry design model by fusing traditional formative language and functional materials. It suggests the possibility of recreating the modern value of traditional crafts and expanding them into the cultural industry. In the future, performance comparisons by frequency band, durability analysis based on long-term wear conditions, human safety verification, production process standardization, and mass production feasibility evaluations should continue, and commercialization as a practical product is also expected.