Fabric Structure Research Articles

Unraveling the effects of preform structures on the microstructure, electromagnetic shielding properties, and thermal conductivity of 3D orthogonal C/C composites

To expand the application of C/C composites in the field of 5G satellite, this paper explores the influence of different preform structures on the mechanical properties, EMI shielding properties, and thermal conductivity of C/C composites. Three common 3D fabric preform structures with different weaving parameters are designed. The pore evolution process of different samples was analyzed by image recognition processing method and pore partition method. The findings indicate that the 3D Fine weave pierced structure leads to higher graphitization degree. 3D orthogonal woven structure results in a higher compression strength of up to 240 MPa. Furthermore, the molding method of 3D orthogonal woven structure exhibits superior EMI SE and thermal conductivity. The EMI shielding mode of C/C composites is the coexistence of absorption and reflection. And excellent texture and a high fiber volume fraction are beneficial to improve thermal conductivity. In conclusion, 3D orthogonal woven structure is more suitable for producing C/C composites with high strength, superior EMI shielding, and enhanced thermal conductivity compared to 3D Fine weave pierced structure. This study reveals a new control method of high-performance materials for 5G satellites.

IMMERSIVE TEXTILE ENVIRONMENTS. ESCAPE INTO THE AIR

Installation art became an important phenomenon in the 20th century. In the 21st century, installations become immersive and involve the widespread use of participatory practices and increased physical contact with the viewer. One of the new trends in contemporary art that emerged in the first decades of the 21st century was the creation of floating, large-scale immersive textile structures or soft “environmental sculpture.” The objects are multivariate “walk-in” labyrinths, knitted or woven from fiber materials. The first steps in creating lightweight mesh structures were mastered by architects in the 1960s. Based on the bold decisions of their predecessors, contemporary artists Toshiko Horiuchi Macadam, Ernesto Neto, Tomas Saraceno, the group “Nume/For Use” and others laid the foundation for immersive textile installations - cyclopean webs of different types of structures and compositional solutions. The purpose of this study is to analyze modern textile immersive “walk in” labyrinths. An attempt was made to understand the reasons for the appearance of these artistic objects, their features and fundamental principles of execution were identified. The antiquity and reliability of textile practices, the properties of the fiber and the wide range of its aesthetic qualities have made textiles indispensable in the creation of installations of this kind. The deep metaphorical nature of the material evokes multiple connotations among the participants involved in the artistic process, enriches the range of their experiences, and awakens the intensity significance of meanings. In addition, the viewer gets the opportunity to have a unique experience and gains personal and subjective experience. Immersive textile installations have become a space for artistic expression and reflect a wide range of contradictions in the modern world.

Computed tomography cross-sections for an objective evaluation of the textile fabric’s inner structure and its thickness

The thickness and inner structure of porous fibrous structures - textiles is an important parameter, especially regarding comfort, noise, heat insulation, and permeability. The standard and probably the fastest thickness measuring method is with a thickness gauge, which uses a certain slight pressure, as well as other known methodologies. The paper presents an original methodology for evaluating the thickness of non-pressure-controlled porosity structures using their transversal packing density distribution. It also determines the maximum packing density value of the evaluated structure and the packing density level at which the thickness gauge approximately measures the thickness. The ratio of pressure-controlled and non-pressure-controlled thicknesses is used to define the proportion of the “incompressible” core of the fabric to its “compressible” surface. The packing density is evaluated in transverse virtual cross-sections of the structures using an image analysis tool. The standard soft cross-sections that are used could again cause some deformation of the studied structures, so the cross-sections were performed using Rigaku’s nano3DX computed tomography equipment. The methodology was tested on a set of seven diverse textile structures in terms of material and manufacturing technology. Each test specimen was evaluated for its internal structure through the transverse packing density process, the corresponding mentioned packing density levels were found, the non-pressure controlled thickness was determined, and the core and outlying fibers ratio was defined. The maximum packing density in the fabric core decreased as expected from the woven fabric through the weft and warp knitted fabric to the non-woven fabric. The maximum transverse packing density is independent of the thickness and the material used and, therefore, depends only on the structure. So is the packing density level at which the thickness gauge measures the thickness. This level has been set at 0.028 for knitted fabrics.

Analiza deformacionih karakteristika tkanih tekstilnih materijala u platnenom prepletaju

Deformations of woven materials occur in the process of forming fabrics into more complex textile structures, as well as during the exploitation of finished products. Several factors influence the deformation properties of textile materials. The key factors are the properties of the yarn used, the construction of the fabric and the density of the warp and weft threads. The anisotropic properties of woven materials impose the need to analyze the deformation in the direction of the warp and in the direction of the weft of fabric. In addition, the research includes the analysis of the deformation of woven materials at an angle of 45 ° in relation to the direction of the warp. The results of the research showed that increasing the density of the weft threads leads to an improvement in the characteristics at the limit of yielding and breaking in the direction of the weft and at an angle of 45 °. Based on the obtained results, dependencies were proposed that can be used to predict the deformation of woven textile materials in a plain weave using tensile force in the direction of the warp, in the direction of the weft and at an angle of 45 °.

Knitting-stitching bifacial metafabrics with switchable thermal and moisture transmissibility for multimodal dynamic personal thermoregulation.

Smart textiles with thermal and moisture management functionalities are highly desirable for enhancing human comfort and reducing weather-related health issues. However, achieving high-performance thermoregulatory fabrics that simultaneously exhibit reversible cooling and heating functions, and effective sweat management through industrial fabrication, remains challenging due to the lack of compatible textile technologies capable of manipulating hierarchical structures. Herein, a robust thermal and moisture-managing metafabric (TMM fabric) with a stitching-interlaced-knit structure is developed using industrialized machine knit technology. Unlike layered fabrics, this knitted structure endows the TMM fabric with different appearances on its two opposite surfaces for reversible photon management, while integrating these surfaces into an all-in-one construction using interlacing yarns. The interlacing yarns also serve as pathways for heat and moisture transmission, enhancing thermal conduction and water transportation. A coupling agent-assisted zinc oxide nanoprocessing is further applied to the cooling surface of the TMM fabric to improve solar reflectivity. The bifacial TMM fabric demonstrates on-demand radiative/evaporation cooling and photo-thermal heating capacities by simply flipping the fabric, achieving an effective temperature regulation of over 17 °C. Furthermore, the TMM fabric shows desirable electro-thermal performance, enabling it to protect the human body from harsh low-temperature conditions of -18 °C. Moreover, the TMM fabric demonstrates good breathability and robust mechanical properties. This facile structural design as a paradigm provides a new insight for producing scalable, robust and efficient personal thermoregulation textiles adaptive to superwide temperature changes using well-engineered textile structures.

Comprehensive study of the off-axis mechanical behaviors of a Polytetrafluoroethylene‐ coated fabric after 23 Years of service at Shanghai stadium

Coated fabrics can experience mechanical performance degradation due to environmental factors and long-term stress during service. Hence, studying the mechanical behaviors of these materials after aging is crucial. While PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)-coated fabrics are more commonly used than PVC (polyvinyl chloride)-coated fabrics, limited research exists on their performance after aging in practical engineering applications. PTFE-coated fabrics are primarily used in large-span fabric structures, where their mechanical performance under tensile-shear stress is crucial. This study aims to investigate the mechanical behaviors of PTFE-coated fabrics after practical aging under tension-shear stress. Test materials included decommissioned Saint-Gobain Sheerfill-II PTFE-coated fabrics, which had served for 23 years at Shanghai Stadium, and identical new fabrics. Monotonic tensile, central tearing, and cyclic tensile tests were conducted at seven different off-axis angles to compare the mechanical properties of aged fabrics with new fabrics, including tensile strength, tearing strength, modulus of elasticity, and ratcheting strain. Additionally, this study explored changes in failure mechanisms, tearing mechanisms, applicability of strength criteria, and suitability of the orthotropic model after aging. This provides a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical behaviors of aged PTFE-coated fabrics and valuable insights for engineering design.

Pre-programmable pneumatic actuator: leveraging mechanical anisotropy of nonwoven fabrics with an integrated tensile sensor.

The emergence of flexible fabric-based pneumatic actuators (FPAs) with pre-programmable motion capabilities, enhanced security and versatile interaction features significantly advances the construction of sophisticated soft robotic systems, owing to their enhanced security and versatile interaction features. Despite these promising attributes, the commercial viability of FPA products faces a considerable amount of challenges, primarily stemming from the scarcity of highly deformable fabric structures and the availability of industrial fabrication approaches. Taking inspiration from the anisotropic nature of lobster antennae, we propose a scalable and economical strategy to fabricate functional FPAs using nonwoven fabric material with superior mechanical anisotropy. This innovative method involves the adoption of tunable inelastic constrained wires sewn onto extensible nonwoven fabrics with regular wrinkles. This nonwoven fabric-based pneumatic actuator (NFPA) demonstrates specific motion profiles with curvature of over 0.6 cm-1 and output forces of over 140 cN under adjustable pressure conditions. Guided by the constrained wire combinations, NFPA enables diverse programmable motions like spiraling, assistance, and grasping. Furthermore, NFPA incorporated with specific sensors exhibits significant potential in wearable devices with real-time environmental detection for rehabilitation applications. Our work contributes a distinctive insight into the design of programmable NFPAs and enlightens an arena toward versatile soft robotic applications.

Designing out microplastic pollution released from textiles and apparel during laundering

Abstract The washing of synthetic materials has been named as the largest contributor of microplastic pollution to our oceans. With the consumption of petrochemical-based synthetic materials expected to grow, due to an increased demand, the release of microplastic fibres to our environments is expected to also accelerate. To combat microplastic fibre release, this study explores source-directed interventions within the design and manufacturing process of textiles to reduce the amount of pollution released from the surface and the edges of the fabric structure. Using standardised wash tests and polyester fabric swatches that were created in-house with systematic structural adjustments, single jersey knit fabrics were shown to release over three times more microplastic pollution than twill woven fabric. This illustrates that increasing the tightness of a fabric could be implemented within the design of fabrics for environmental benefits. Additionally, the laser cutting technique reduced microplastic fibres released by over a third compared to scissor cutting and overlock serging, showing that the edge of the fabric is a significant source of microplastic pollution released during laundering. This research highlights the adaptable and innovative eco-design approaches to clothing production which is necessary to help the sector reach international sustainability targets and regulations.

Improved mechanical properties of environmentally friendly jute fibre reinforced metal laminate sandwich composite through enhanced interface

Natural plant based fibres are being increasingly used in sustainable fibre reinforced composite applications in order to meet the demand of using environmentally friendly materials for composites. Fibre metal laminates (FMLs) are used in aerospace, automobile, marine and civil engineering applications, due to their excellent mechanical behaviors compared to traditional metals and their alloys. This study describes a novel fabrication of jute fibre reinforced aluminum metal laminates, using different jute fibre architectures (plain and twill fabric structures), wherein jute fibres were used in the skins and aluminum in the core layers. Jute fibres and aluminum sheets were chemically treated to enhance the compatibility and interfacial bonding at fibre-metals-matrix interfaces. FMLs were manufactured by hot pressing technique, after the application of wet lay-up process for the resin impregnation and they were further tested under tensile, flexural and impact loading conditions. While comparing results, the twill architecture showed improved tensile and flexural properties compared to plain fabric based FMLs. Chemical treatments on twill jute fibres and metal sheets further exceptionally enhanced the flexural properties (151 MPa flexural strength and 21.3 GPa modulus and they were increased by 186.5 % and 722.7 % respectively compared to the untreated jute fibre counterparts) of the laminates due to a significant improvement in the adhesion between the jute fibre and aluminum sheet after alkali treatment applied. Therefore, with these enhanced properties, jute based FML laminates can be used as sustainable composite materials in many structural applications.

Sustainable design of non-fluorinated yet oleophobic fibrous surfaces

Fluorine-free oleophobic fabrics that can repel ethanol are demonstrated, but the fabric construction largely determines the capillary resistance and current wettability theory is only predictive for plain weave fabric structures.

SMART TEXTILE pH SENSOR BASED ON CURCUMIN MICROCAPSULES

In this study, pH-sensitive textile systems are developed for use in detecting alkaline media variations. The product is designed based on the surface functionalization of cotton fabric by semi-porous microcapsules containing curcumin. The capsules synthesized by interfacial polymerization from MDI and xylitol serve as micro-reactors where a modification of the chemical form of curcumin takes place, allowing observation of a change of color. This change of color is linked to the acidity constant of this molecule. The objective is also to correlate the visual observation to an evaluation of the color code via image capture by a smartphone of the textile structure and simplified processing of the image color. The analyses have shown that the product obtained is well-sensitive to pH variations and easy to use.

Muudetava tihedusega kangasuga. Ühe tööriista leiutamise lugu / Weaving reed for adjusting warp density while weaving: the inventing of a tool

The article is built around invention as a process, DIY as an attitude, and the activities and procedures necessary to make an invention in the field of crafts. The article opens a case study of the invention of one handweaving tool – a reed in which density is adjustable during weaving – tracking its journey from an idea to a prototype, a utility model, and a product. An overview of previous versions of the reed that allow changing the warp density is given. As follows, the process of invention has been described according to the stages perceived by the author, paying attention to her own experience as the inventor, and to factors that promote and hinder product development. The inventor’s choices in the process have been influenced by self-definition as a user and as an entrepreneur. Auto-ethnography has been used as a method for writing the article. I examine how DIY culture manifests itself in this specific case of the product development process, and how my roles as the inventor, entrepreneur, and weaver act in harmony in this process. The process of inventing in my case can be divided into the following stages: first – addressing the problem (how the weaver can change the warp density while weaving), and imagining the possible solutions; second – analysing the present situation to understand what spatial limitations of the handloom must be considered, and what moves can be made by the weaver during the weaving process. In order to reach a solution to the problem outlined above, I made a DIY version of the prototype tool using available materials (bricolage), and then used the tool myself. With the help of Ago Jääger, an engineer, the prototype was then developed into the version that could be manufactured. Valuable contacts were provided by Anne Erlach from the Patent Office of Estonia. Thanks to the support from textile specialists Vibeke Vestby (Norway), Andreas Möller (Germany) and Tina and Bernt Arne Ignell from VÄV (Scandinavian weaving journal), I started to promote the tool and reached out to the users who were inspired by the new warp manipulation possibilities and the variations that the tools brought with them. Here are the working principles of the three versions of adjustable reeds compared with that of a previously existing tool, the fan reed: Fan reed (invention from the 19th century) consists of dents that are under angles. By raising or lowering the tool, the warps get pushed into the new position. The pattern possibilities are restricted as the groups are dependent upon the position of the reed, and the wide setting and narrow setting are always side by side (1). Adjustable reed (AdRe) (Utility model, 2009) was the first version of my reeds, where warps can be manipulated during the weaving process in individual groups (2). Distance between the dents ischanged by changing the angle of the arms. Folding reed. This version of an adjustable reed was inspired by a carpenter’s folding ruler. With this type of reed dramatic changes in fabric width (3) are also possible; the position of one section of warps influences the position of the sections to the right and to the left of it (4). Adjustable sliding weaving reed (Utility model published in 2014). Adjustable sliding weaving reed enables the weaver to change the density of the reed (affects the warp density) in independent groups (5). It can also make twists in warps as the modules can be removed from the rail and fixed in a new position (6), and alter the width of the fabric while weaving (7).Commercially, this version is promoted under the name RailReed. Weaving reed for adjusting warp density while weaving. Examples are given of weavers and artists who use the possibilities of this tool to change the thread density in groups, as well as the fabric width during weaving, and how such manipulations of fabric structures are connected to the creative projects of these authors. Keywords: reed, adjustable weaving reed, adjusted warp density, handloom, inventing, DIY

Analysis of the tensile stress relaxation of weft-knitted medical compression fabrics in view of the fabric structure

Stress relaxation will create interference in the performance of textiles in applications such as compression garments, pressure bandages, and varicose stockings in which keeping a definite level of pressure on the scar area is vital. Therefore, considering the effectual parameters on the stress relaxation of the fabrics will help to produce appropriate functional clothes. In this research, rib-knitted fabrics with different numbers of tuck stitches in successive wales have been fabricated and their stress relaxation has been surveyed. According to the findings, in all fabric structures, stress relaxation is higher in the wale direction compared to the course direction. In both directions, the stress relaxation linearly changes with the number of tuck stitches in the fabric structure. By increasing the number of tuck stitches, the stress relaxation of the fabric increases from 43% to 81% in the course direction whilst decreasing from 47% to 82% in the wale direction. Consequently, utilization of the tuck stitch in the structure of pressure bandages enhances their functionality, whilst diminishing the performance of compression garments and varicose stockings. Therefore, the use of knitted fabric consisting of tuck stitches is not recommended for pressure garments and varicose stockings.

Perspective in Textile Energy Storage Integrated Textile Elements: Textile Materials, Structure, and Manufactured Methods

AbstractDesigning textile‐based energy storage with both high electrochemical performance and available textile performance is crucial for developing smart textile. In this perspective, the concept of textile‐based energy storage and the viewpoint of balancing electrochemical performance and textile performance is proposed, which is paramount to establish high‐energy‐power density textile‐based energy storage devices; some key challenges are discussed in order to provide a framework on how textile materials and structures are employed in textile energy storage research; it further compiles and generalizes current findings in the fiber, yarn, and fabric‐type components/devices area and preliminary work in the manufactured and programmed textile‐based energy storage. The objective here is to establish a set of practical principles for commercial textile energy storage from textile perspective and describe in detail the scientific and technological breakthroughs that are shaping in energy storage area.

Production of gelatin fibrous mats using different nanofiber production methods for medical applications and comparison of their properties.

In the literature, there are studies on medical applications using different nanofiber production methods with natural polymers. However, each system has different fiber-forming capabilities. For this reason, in this study, we investigated the production of nanofibers from a biodegradable natural polymer, gelatin, using four separate nanofiber production methods, namely electrospinning (ES), electroblowing (EB), solution blowing (SB), and centrifugal spinning (CS). Our aim was to determine the most suitable fibrous web structure for medical applications and contribute to science in this respect. It was observed that the thinnest fibers (386 nm) and the heaviest mats (15.975 g m-2) were produced by the SB method as a result of using 10 wt.% gelatin solution with a total of 10 mL. With the ES and EB methods, tighter fabric structures were obtained than with the others due to the presence of electric fields. In the CS method, more and bead-free fibers were produced due to the increase in viscosity with a 12.5 wt.% gelatin solution. Moreover, with the concentration of 12.5 wt.%, the fiber diameters of SB and CS samples increased about 2-fold.

Incorporation of Cellulose-Based Aerogels into Textile Structures.

Given their exceptional attributes, aerogels are viewed as a material with immense potential. Being a natural polymer, cellulose offers the advantage of being both replenishable and capable of breaking down naturally. Cellulose-derived aerogels encompass the replenish ability, biocompatible nature, and ability to degrade naturally inherent in cellulose, along with additional benefits like minimal weight, extensive porosity, and expansive specific surface area. Even with increasing appreciation and acceptance, the undiscovered possibilities of aerogels within the textiles sphere continue to be predominantly uninvestigated. In this context, we outline the latest advancements in the study of cellulose aerogels' formulation and their diverse impacts on textile formations. Drawing from the latest studies, we reviewed the materials used for the creation of various kinds of cellulose-focused aerogels and their properties, analytical techniques, and multiple functionalities in relation to textiles. This comprehensive analysis extensively covers the diverse strategies employed to enhance the multifunctionality of cellulose-based aerogels in the textiles industry. Additionally, we focused on the global market size of bio-derivative aerogels, companies in the industry producing goods, and prospects moving forward.

Augmenting the mechanical performance of three‐dimensional woven composites by the synergistic effect of fabric architecture and interfacial interaction of carbon nanotubes

AbstractThree‐dimensional (3D) woven fabrics offer many advantages over planar woven fabrics for composite applications. Because of the complex structure of 3D woven fabrics, an in‐depth investigation is needed to understand the effects of fabric architecture and nanofillers on the mechanical and failure behavior of 3D woven composites. The present study investigates the effect of 3D woven ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) orthogonal fabric architecture, with or without nanofillers, on the mechanical properties of composites. 3D woven orthogonal fabrics with varying proportions of stuffer‐to‐binder (S/B) yarns were manufactured and reinforced with an epoxy (EP) matrix. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were infused as nanofillers to improve the interaction between the UHMWPE fabric and the EP matrix. 3D woven composite having an S/B ratio of 2:1 showed the maximum tensile strength and toughness. On the other hand, 3D woven composite with an S/B ratio of 4:1 showed higher flexural strength and impact resistance. The failure mechanism was also studied by examining the fractured surfaces of composites, which revealed matrix cracking, fiber pullout, predominant binder yarn failure, and yarn slippage. From this study, it is understood that for 3D fabric reinforcement, a balance between structural integrity and load‐bearing capacity of yarns is decisive, whereas for the matrix, the incorporation of MWCNTs is found to be advantageous.Highlights The role of structure of 3D woven orthogonal fabric on the mechanical behaviour of the UHMWPE‐epoxy composite is investigated. The addition of functionalized MWCNTs improves the tensile, flexural, and impact properties. The decisive role of the ratio of stuffer‐to‐binder yarns is established. Matrix cracking, debonding, and yarn failure are observed during tensile failure.

Water vapour resistance modelling of basic weaving structure

Water vapour diffusion through textile fabrics plays a crucial role in maintaining body comfort. Developing and producing comfortable textiles is a major challenge for manufacturers of fibres, yarns and fabrics. This study aims to develop a simple model to predict the water vapour permeability of textile fabrics as a function of their structural parameters to assist manufacturers in developing comfortable fabrics. To achieve this goal, geometric modeling of the woven structure was proposed to calculate porosity at the micro-and macro-pores level. Two mathematical models were introduced based on the principle of diffusion of water vapour through a textile fabric. To validate the two models, a series of 18 samples was prepared with three basic fabric structures: Plain, Twill and Turc Sateen. To vary the compactness of the structures, three weft densities were chosen: 18, 21 and 24 picks/cm. In addition, since the material influences water vapour diffusion, two types of weft yarns were inserted: 50% CO/50% PET and 100% PET. The results show that the two models are reliable for predicting water vapour resistance (Ret) depending on the structural parameters of the textile fabric.

Novel functional and fail-safe knitted heating structures via the dedicated serial-parallel circuits for heating design approach

This paper presents the simulation-based development of a novel knitted design of textile heating structures based on dedicated serial-parallel circuits for heating (DSPCh) using silver-plated yarns processed via knitting technology. The DSPCh approach features dedicated and spatially bounded sub-circuits, ensuring even heat distribution and resilience against circuit failures in smart textiles with heating functionality. The study finds that the conductor arrangement and knitting pattern significantly affect the heating performance. DSPCh structures achieve even more heat distribution than serial and parallel circuit designs. Due to its binding, the developed basic pattern based on the right–left knit is less electrically conductive than that based on the right–right knit. Results show that DSPCh structures exhibit a favorable heat level and uniform heat distribution suitable for wearable textiles close to the body. The comparison with other circuit designs demonstrates higher temperatures of maximum 132°C and temperature differences up to 100 K, making DSPCh structures suitable for functional underwear. In addition, the experiments reveal that the heating performance is minimally degraded after standard machine-washing and care protocols. The investigations demonstrate that the DSPCh structures are suitable for actively heatable functional underwear, and simulation tools can aid in predicting temperatures and heat distribution for various textile designs.

Chemical Resistant Yarn with Hierarchical Core–Shell Structure for Safety Monitoring and Tunable Thermal Management in High-Risk Environments

Chemical resistant textiles are vital for safeguarding humans against chemical hazards in various settings, such as industrial production, chemical accidents, laboratory activities, and road transportation. However, the ideal integration of chemical resistance, thermal and moisture management, and wearer condition monitoring in conventional chemically protective textiles remains challenging. Herein, the design, manufacturing, and use of stretchable hierarchical core–shell yarns (HCSYs) for integrated chemical resistance, moisture regulation, and smart sensing textiles are demonstrated. These yarns contain helically elastic spandex, wrapped silver-plated nylon, and surface-structured polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) yarns and are designed and manufactured based on a scalable fabrication process. In addition to their ideal chemical resistance performance, HCSYs can function as multifunctional stretchable electronics for real-time human motion monitoring and as the basic element of intelligent textiles. Furthermore, a desirable dynamic thermoregulation function is achieved by exploiting the fabric structure with stretching modulation. Our HCSYs may provide prospective opportunities for the future development of smart protective textiles with high durability, flexibility, and scalability.