Development and mechanical properties of three-dimensional flat-knitted fabrics with reinforcement yarns

Three-dimensional (3D) flat-knitted fabrics have become a topic of interest in the field of composites in recent years because of the growing need for rapid preparation of complicated shape preforms. In order to improve the mechanical properties of 3D flat-knitted fabrics, two types of 3D flat-knitted fabrics with reinforcement yarn (FKFR) were developed using ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) yarn. Their basic structures were composed of plain structure and interlock structure with tuck stitch, respectively, and the reinforcement yarn was integrated into the fabric as the weft inlay. The tensile, bending, drape, and bursting properties of the two fabrics were characterized. Results showed that the basic structure of the fabric has impacted on the mechanical properties of the fabric significantly. The tensile and bending properties of the fabric with interlock structure were better than that of the fabric with plain structure. During the transverse stretching process, the surface structure of the fabric with interlock structure was more stable. Moreover, transverse yarn strength utilization of the fabric with interlock structure was 1.05, which reached the level of ordinary woven fabric. In addition, the bursting force of the fabric with excellent tensile properties was lower than that of the fabric with a plain structure because the latter has better extensibility.

КАРКАСНА МОДЕЛЬ РОЗТЯГУВАННЯ КУЛІРНОГО ТРИКОТАЖУ ВЗДОВЖ ПЕТЕЛЬНИХ РЯДІВ

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to develop a mathematical description of the transformation of the frame model of weft-knits under the action of tensile forces in the courswise direction for further three-dimensional modeling of the knited structure.Methodology. Methods of theoretical analysis and synthesis, basics of knitting theory, methods of geometric modeling and parameterization were used in the research process.Findings. Considering the knitwear stretching during the use of the clothing is one of the determining factors of the quality of design decisions. When stretching the weft-knitted fabrics in the coursewise direction, the configuration of its individual stitches’ changes, as well as the thread’s cross-section due to the force interaction between the adjacent structure elements. To simulate the physical and mechanical behavior of knitwear under the stretching, it is suggested using a complex model of knitwear deformation, that includes the suggested frame model of uniaxial coursewise stretching of knitted fabrics. An algorithm for constructing a frame model of stretching a sample of knitted fabric in the coursewise direction is described in the paper. The algorithm is based on the structure parameters, including the wale spacing and course spacing in a dry relaxed state, the relative elongation of the sample at the time of modeling, number of wales and courses in the sample, the coefficient of courses narrowing. Scientific novelty. The paper investigates the features of the transformation of the knitting structure during stretching in the coursewise direction and offers algorithmic and mathematical support for the automated generation of the mesh frame in the context of three-dimensional modeling, which provides for the possibility of considering the dynamics of deformation of knitted fabric undergoing tensile deformations.Practical value. Frame model of the weft-knits deformation and algorithm of mesh-frame construction suggested in the paper, form the basis for determination of coordinates of characteristic points of the structural elements of the knit in a state of uniaxial tension for construction of a three-dimensional model of thread a deformed knitted fabric.

Unmasking the Mask: Investigating the Role of Physical Properties in the Efficacy of Fabric Masks to Prevent the Spread of the COVID-19 Virus

To function as source control, a fabric mask must be able to filter micro-droplets (≥5 µm) in expiratory secretions and still allow the wearer to breathe normally. This study investigated the effects of fabric structural properties on the filtration efficiency (FE) and air permeability (AP) of a range of textile fabrics, using a new method to measure the filtration of particles in the described conditions. The FE improved significantly when the number of layers increased. The FE of the woven fabrics was generally higher, but double-layer weft knitted fabrics, especially when combined with a third (filter) layer, provided a comparable FE without compromising on breathability. This also confirmed the potential of nonwoven fabrics as filter layers in masks. None of the physical fabric properties studied affected FE significantly more than the others. The variance in results achieved within the sample groups show that the overall performance properties of each textile fabric are a product of its combined physical or structural properties, and assumptions that fabrics which appear to be similar will exhibit the same performance properties cannot be made. The combination of layers of fabric in the design of a mask further contributes to the product performance.