Influence of tetrahedral architectures on fluid transmission and heat retention behaviors of auxetic weaves

Abstract

Recently auxetic textiles have captured the attention of researchers. Yet no work is reported on the development and characterization of novel tetrahedral woven auxetic structures. In this study, six two-dimensional (2D) woven auxetic structures including diamond-based vertical pointed twill (S1), vertical inverse pointed twill (S2), vertical broken pointed twill (S3), vertical pointed twill (S4), open tetrahedral (S5), and closed tetrahedral (S6) were developed. For performance analysis, thermal comfort properties including fluid transmission characteristics (air permeability, water vapor permeability index, overall moisture management capability (OMMC)), and heat retention attributes were characterized. These fabrics were also characterized by their mechanical behavior including negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR), tensile and tear strength, pilling, abrasion resistance, and stretch and growth %. S5 has longer floats, hence it became more flexible and open which resulted in higher dry fluid transmission. All specimens showed more than 85% wet fluid transmission tendencies. S6 showed the highest and S5 showed the least OMMC values. Furthermore, S2 has a higher thermal resistance because of low air permeability. The developed fabric structures showed NPR up to −0.64. A significant effect of float length has been found on the auxeticity of fabrics along the warp direction. S5 showed a higher tensile strength and stretch % in warp and weft directions. All the developed woven auxetic fabrics remained unteared in both the warp and weft directions along with viable pilling (4–5 grade) and showed improved abrasion resistance.