The effect of fabric structure on the compression behavior of weft-knitted spacer fabrics for cushioning applications

Abstract

In this research the effect of surface layer knit pattern, and spacer yarn's inclination angle on the compression behavior of weft- knitted spacer fabrics made for cushioning applications have been investigated. The results reveal that fabric's compression resistance increases by increasing the spacer yarn's inclination angle as well as increasing the number of tuck stitches in successive courses in the surface layer. Moreover, by increasing the spacer yarn's inclination angle, the fabric's resilience, thickness change, and thickness recovery decrease, while the absorbed energy and dissipated compression energy increases. Furthermore, by increasing the number of tuck stitches in successive courses in the surface layer, the fabric's resilience as well as relative compressibility decreases, whilst the absorbed energy and dissipated compression energy increases. Eventually, spacer fabrics consist of knit stitches on their surface layers are more appropriate for cushioning applications due to higher energy absorption, and better resiliency and relative compressibility.