An evaluation of usability of warp knitted spacer fabrics as hip protector

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the usability of warp knitted spacer fabrics as a hip protector, in order to eliminate the complaints frequently encountered in the market, due to their higher air and water vapor permeability, thermal conductivity, good compressibility and lightweight. For this purpose, the physical and performance properties of silicone and latex coated warp-knitted spacer fabrics were determined. With an attempt to discuss the effect of coating and fabric structural parameters on the physical and performance characteristics, six warp knitted spacer fabrics were produced by varying thickness (12.5 and 15 mm) and mesh structure (small and large hexagonal mesh). Then, fabrics were coated with silicone and latex by using vacuum infusion process in order to improve the force attenuation capacity of the fabrics. The fabrics were coated with silicone and latex substrates in a 1:1 and 1:½ weight ratios, respectively. Mass per unit area, thickness, air permeability, compressibility, dimensional stability and compression set properties were measured and evaluated.