Effect of Stretching on Thermal Behaviour of Electro-Conductive Weft-Knitted Composite Fabrics

This experiment presents a study carried out on the electric charge passing textiles for heat production in compression weft-knitted composite fabrics used for medical purposes. The aim was to flourish compression support of knitted structure with integrated highly sensitive metal (silver) coated polyamide multifilament yarns and to evaluate its heat origination attributes after stretching in different levels as well as changes of the temperature during the time. A flat double needle-bed knitting machine was utilized to fabricate the selected specimens together with elastomeric inlay-yarn incorporated into the structure for compression generation and silver coated polyamide yarn laid as ground yarn in a plated structure for heat generation. Six different variants depending on the metal coated yarn amount used and the fabric structure along with two types of the conductive yarn linear density were fabricated for this research work. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were preoccupied to show the morphology of conductive yarn and thermal pictures were captured to study the evenness of the heat over the surface of composite fabrics depending on conductive yarn distribution in the pattern repeat. The temperature profile of fabricated composite fabrics and comparison of the heat generation by specimens after stretching in different levels was studied.

КАРКАСНА МОДЕЛЬ ОДНООСНОГО РОЗТЯГУВАННЯ КУЛІРНОГО ТРИКОТАЖУ ВЗДОВЖ ПЕТЕЛЬНИХ СТОВПЧИКІВ

The purpose of this study is to develop a frame model for stretching the weft-knits in the wale direction, suitable for further integration into the algorithm for building a three-dimensional knitwear model in a stretched state and modeling of interactive deformation dynamics. Methodology. Methods of theoretical analysis, basics of knitting theory, topological model of knitwear, methods of geometric modeling and parameterization were used in the research process. Findings. Modeling the physical and mechanical behavior of knitwear in a computer environment is one of the promising ways to increase the level of conformity of knitted products with the requirements of comfort and functionality. However, the complexity of the internal structure, the anisotropy of properties and the instability of the parameters of the loop structure determine the need to find non-trivial ways to solve the problem of mathematical description of the three-dimensional model of the thread, knitted in the knitwear, considering the stretching deformations. During the study, a frame model of a uniaxial stretching of knitwear in the wale direction was developed. The basis of the frame model is the idea of a knitted structure, represented as a logically organized set of elements, each of which is interlaces with other elements in accordance with the topology of knit. The frame of the jersey fragment is described as a set of bars and hinges. The hinges are located at the interlacing points of the loop heads and loop feet, and each rod in the model is an imaginary element representing a complex of force factors that prevent the change of distance between the hinges connected to the given rod. In the process of stretching, the geometrical characteristics of the elements change, while the logical connections remain unchanged. The wireframe model allows to define coordinates of interlacement points in the coordinate system of the sample, relative position of coordinate systems of each elementary fragment, which correspond to given loops, coordinates of characteristic points of a loop for transition to a three-dimensional model of a knitted structure. Scientific novelty. For the first time, a frame model of deformation of the knit, suitable for three-dimensional modeling of its structure, considering deformation of the thrust, was developed. Practical value. The developed model can be used as mathematical support of systems of automated designing of knits.

The Influence of Electro-Conductive Compression Knits Wearing Conditions on Heating Characteristics

Textile-based heaters have opened new opportunities for next-generation smart heating devices. This experiment presents electrically conductive textiles for heat generation in orthopaedic compression supports. The main goal was to investigate the influence of frequent washing and stretching on heat generation durability of constructed compression knitted structures. The silver coated polyamide yarns were used to knit a half-Milano rib structure containing elastomeric inlay-yarn. Dimensional stability of the knitted fabric and morphological changes of the silver coated electro-conductive yarns were investigated during every wash cycle. The results revealed that temperature becomes stable within two minutes for all investigated fabrics. The heat generation was found to be dependent on the stretching, mostly due to the changing surface area; and it should be considered during the development of heated compression knits. Washing negatively influences the heat-generating capacity on the fabric due to the surface damage caused by the mechanical and chemical interaction during washing. The higher number of silver-coated filaments in the electro-conductive yarn and the knitted structure, protecting the electro-conductive yarn from mechanical abrasion, may ensure higher durability of heating characteristics.

ЕРГОНОМІЧНІ ПОКАЗНИКИ ТРИКОТАЖУ ТА ЇХ ЗВ'ЯЗОК З ГЕОМЕТРИЧНИМИ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКАМИ

The purpose of this study is to analyze the ergonomic properties of knitwear, that form sense of thermophysiological comfort of a person and their connection with the geometric characteristics of the knitted structure to study the prospects of comfort predicting using computer-aided design systems. Methodology. During the research methods of theoretical analysis, basics of the theory of knitting, theories of thin elastic shell, basic concepts of mechanics and the basics of hydrodynamics were used. Findings. In the course of the work a theoretical analysis of scientific works and normative and technical documentation on various aspects of the definition and provision at the required level of ergonomic properties of knitwear that characterize the level of its convenience and comfort has been carried out. It was found that many researchers refer as most influencing the sense of comfort such properties as: air permeability, water vapour permeability, thermal resistance, hygroscopicity, electrical resistance, as well as stiffness and stretchability, that most affect the ability of knitwear to keep shape and fit the size of the human body. It was found that all abovementioned knitwear properties depend on the geometric characteristics of the knitted structure, such as yarn diameter; the loop length; wale spacing; course spacing; the thickness of the knit and others. Theoretical models of mechanical and physical properties of knitwear are functions of the geometrical characteristics of its structure, therefore the quality prediction of physical behaviour of knitwear depends on the quality of the 3D geometric model of the yarn, knitted in the knit. Scientific novelty. As a result of an analytical review of scientific publications and normative and technical documentation, the ergonomics of knitwear that form a feeling of thermophysiological comfort were determined, and their connection with the geometric characteristics of the knitwear structure was established. Practical value. Theoretical models of air permeability, thermal conductivity and stretchability, published in scientific journals, from the point of view of the possibility of their use as the basis for mathematical support of the computer-aided design system of knitted clothing are analyzed.

Thermal protective performance of single-layer rib-knitted structure and its derivatives under radiant heat flux

The compact construction of fire-resistant woven clothing designed for radiant heat flux protection limits the air permeability from the skin to the environment that risks thermal stress to the wearer. Knitted fabric is well known for its comfort and transmission properties. The inevitable porosity of the knitted fabric has restrained its application in fire-protective clothing. This study attempts to apply tuck and miss elements of a knitted structure to produce a compact yet comfortable flame-retardant fabric with maximum air permeability. The effect of radiant heat exposure at the intensity of 40 kW/m2 and 61 kW/m2 is analyzed for the designed sample. The tuck and miss stitches are used to modify rib-knitted structure and the second-degree burn time estimated using Stoll’s curve. The findings of this research show that a simple modification of rib structure with incorporation of miss stitch can enhance the second-degree burn time to 30 s at the radiant heat exposure of 40 kW/m2.

Carbonized Cotton Fabric-Based Flexible Capacitive Pressure Sensor Using a Porous Dielectric Layer with Tilted Air Gaps

Flexible and wearable pressure sensors have attracted significant attention owing to their roles in healthcare monitoring and human–machine interfaces. In this study, we introduce a wide-range, highly sensitive, stable, reversible, and biocompatible pressure sensor based on a porous Ecoflex with tilted air-gap-structured and carbonized cotton fabric (CCF) electrodes. The knitted structure of electrodes demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed sensor in enhancing the pressure-sensing performance in comparison to a woven structure due to the inherent properties of naturally generated space. In addition, the presence of tilted air gaps in the porous elastomer provided high deformability, thereby significantly improving the sensor sensitivity compared to other dielectric structures that have no or vertical air gaps. The combination of knitted CCF electrodes and the porous dielectric with tilted air gaps achieved a sensitivity of 24.5 × 10−3 kPa−1 at 100 kPa, along with a wide detection range (1 MPa). It is also noteworthy that this novel method is low-cost, facile, scalable, and ecofriendly. Finally, the proposed sensor integrated into a smart glove detected human motions of grasping water cups, thus demonstrating its potential applications in wearable electronics.

Ukrainian Folk Ornaments in Modern Knitting

National arts and crafts are not only the skills of an individual nation but an ethnic phenomenon that has unique features and serves as a source of information on national history and culture. Decorative and applied art in Ukraine combines the traditions and techniques of manufacturing and decoration, which have been developed and passed down from generation to generation. It has a clear national identity and numerous regional differ¬ences in ornamental motifs, compositions and favourite colours. Therefore, the Ukrainian folk art has a significant potential and is a source of ideas in creating modern clothing as well as interior items. Embroidery as a way of creating ornamental motifs on a textile material using various techniques is a common process for decorating clothes and interiors for the Ukrainians. Today, ornamental compositions of embroidered folk textiles could be transmitted into modern clothes using various technologies. However, the use of a knitting machine allows creating a pattern during the item production. The ornament transformation into a pattern for knitting can be carried out with graphic software by creating a grid with a cell size similar to the loop size of a knitted structure for corresponding interlooping. A number of clothing and interior items with ethnic motifs was created using the capabilities of flat knitting machines within the masters programme “Knitting Technology and Design” at the Textile Technology and Design Department of the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design.

Design of warp knitting electronic shogging system based on mixed-velocity planning curve

To realize high-speed running of a warp knitting machine, the shogging motion should not only meet the requirement of high dynamic response but should also satisfy high positioning accuracy. Due to the large location disturbance and the dynamic response delay in the interpolation method or the single velocity planning curve method, an electronic shogging system for a warp knitting machine based on the mixed-velocity planning curve is proposed in the present study. Through the analysis of the shogging motion combined with the knitted structure, the optimal resolution of the instruction signal is calculated, which is 725 pulses for one needle step, and the velocity loop bandwidth of the servo driver is optimized. In addition, the motor with a load inertia ratio close to 1 is also selected. Analysis of the shogging motion vibration curve confirms that the shogging motion has advantages of high positioning accuracy and high dynamic response under the mixed-velocity planning curve. The response performance with the mixed curve is 12.5% higher than that with the quintic polynomial, and the positioning accuracy of the mixed curve is 26% higher than that with uniform acceleration–deceleration curve.

Textile testing to assess the resistance to damage of long-lasting insecticidal nets for malaria control and prevention

Background LLINs are susceptible to forming holes within a short time in use, compromising their ability to provide long-term physical protection against insect-borne vectors of disease. Mechanical damage is known to be responsible for the majority of holes, with most being the result of snagging, tearing, hole enlargement, abrasion and seam failure, which can readily occur during normal household use. To enable an assessment of the ability of LLINs to resist such damage prior to distribution, a new suite of testing methods was developed to reflect the main damage mechanisms encountered during normal use of LLINs. Methods Four existing BS EN and ISO standards used by the textile industry were adapted to determine the ability of LLINs to resist the most common mechanisms of real-world damage experienced in the field. The new suite comprised tests for snag strength (BS 15,598:2008), bursting strength (ISO 13938-2:1999), hole enlargement resistance (BS 3423–38:1998), abrasion resistance (ISO 12947-1:1998) and new guidance around the seam construction of LLINs. Fourteen different LLINs were tested using the new suite of tests to evaluate their resistance to damage. Results The resistance to mechanical damage of LLINs is not the same, even when the bursting strength values are comparable. Differences in performance between LLINs are directly related to the fabric design specifications, including the knitted structure and constituent yarns. The differences in performance do not primarily relate to what polymer type the LLIN is made from. LLINs made with a Marquisette knitted structure produced the highest snag strength and lowest hole enlargement values. By contrast, LLINs made with a traverse knitted structure exhibited low snag strength values when compared at the same mesh count. Conclusions Prequalification of LLINs should consider not only insecticidal performance, but also inherent resistance to mechanical damage. This is critical to ensuring LLINs are fit for purpose prior to distribution, and are capable of remaining in good physical condition for longer. The new suite of test methods enables the performance of LLINs to be assessed and specified in advance of distribution and can be used to establish minimum performance standards. Implementation of these testing methods is therefore recommended.

Design of Electro-Thermal Glove with Sensor Function for Raynaud’s Phenomenon Patients

Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is a disease that mainly affects human fingertips during cold weather. It is difficult to treat this disease using medicine, apart from keeping the body in a warm environment. In this research, conductive knitted fabrics were fabricated to help relax the vessels of the patient’s fingertips by providing proper heat, and also serving as a sensor to detect finger motion after relaxation of the blood vessels of patients. Four different structures, termed plain, purl, interlock, and rib were produced using conductive silver/PE (polyethylene) yarn and wool yarn, with a computerized flat knitting machine. The effect of knitted structure on the electro-thermal behavior, sensitivity, and stability of resistance change (∆R/R) under different tensile forces was investigated. By comprehensive comparison, the purl structure was identified as the preferred structure for the heating glove for RP patients, owing to superior electro-thermal behavior. Additionally, the purl structure had a greater capacity to detect different motions with stable resistance change. This potential electro-thermal glove could be used for functional, as well as aesthetic (fashion) purposes, and could be worn at any time and occasion with complete comfort.