Design and Development of Denim Fabrics with Improved Strength and Impact Abrasion Resistance for Motorcyclist Clothing

Abstract

This study aims to design and develop denim fabrics with enhanced mechanical and impact abrasion resistance performance using different materials, yarn types and fabric constructions. It was aimed to reach the standard impact abrasion resistance requirements of motorcycle protective clothing for Level 1 in high impact areas of the body (zones 1 and 2), such as hip and knee areas. The existence of cotton/Cordura® yarn in warp and T400 polyester yarn in the weft and the use of higher yarn densities increased the performance in tensile strength and impact abrasion resistance, compared to a classical cotton denim fabric. The use of coarser yarns and fabrics with a double weave construction increased impact abrasion resistance compared to single layer cloths. The double and backed cloth samples developed with cotton/Cordura® and Kevlar®/polyester yarns in their construction showed impact abrasion resistance times over 4 s and reached the “EN 13595-2:2002 Level 1 abrasion resistance” standard requirement.