Rib Fabrics Research Articles

Hybrid knitted fabric for electromagnetic radiation shielding: thermo-physical properties

Textile materials for protection against electromagnetic radiation are used now not only for special purposes but in everyday clothing too. In this regard, the thermo-physical properties of such materials are very important. In this study, the hybrid knitted fabrics with electromagnetic shielding properties manufactured on 8E flat-bed machine from 0.12 mm stainless steel wire and 30 × 2 tex cotton yarn have been tested. Fabric samples differ by variant of stainless steel wire incorporation (separately or along with cotton yarn) and their positioning in the structures (loop and/or tuck). Hybrid fabric formed by the alternation of two courses of rib 1 × 1 from cotton yarn and two courses from steel wire has higher porosity and therefore higher relative water vapor permeability and lower thermal conductivity compared with fabric formed from cotton yarn and a steel wire simultaneously. The research results showed that the introduction of stainless steel wire along with cotton yarn into the knitted structure leads to changes in stitch density and therefore in the area of porosity compared with cotton fabric. The thermal conductivity coefficient and evaporative resistance of these fabrics are similar to cotton 1 + 1 rib fabric. Thus, the studied hybrid knitted fabrics with shielding properties against electromagnetic radiation can be recommended for clothing manufacturing. The half-Milano rib fabric knitted from cotton yarn and a steel wire with the greatest electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness has a good level of comfort similar to cotton fabric.

Fluids transmission and thermal durability analysis of Miura-ori auxetic relief knits; the next generation wearable materials

Knitted materials with superior thermal comfort attributes and cheap production costs are primarily utilized in leisurewear. Auxetic materials having biaxial stretch capabilities increase the propensity of knitted auxetic fabrics for size-changing clothing applications, such as maternity wear and growing kids' apparel, consequently supporting the sustainable development goal of responsible material consumption. Knitted auxetic fabrics based on Miura-ori fold geometries have been engineered with typically targeted clothing fibrous assemblies/yarns (polyester, cotton, and acrylic) and assorting different knitting parameters. Diagonal relief and hybrid square relief patterns with variable structural knitted cell (SKC) size proved to be a solution towards size and shape-changing clothing materials. Fluid transmission, heat retention, and durability evaluations were undertaken to determine the efficacy towards wearability of such auxetic materials. Varying structural porosities and the number of folds per unit area created properties discrepancy, governing different Poisson’s ratios and thermal attributes. Engineered foldable geometries exhibited about 10% to 40% increase in fluids transmissions than control plain rib fabrics. Quadratic thermal resistance enhancements of above 100% were noticed for auxetic fabrics and increasing SKC size enhanced thermal insulation. Influence of studied input variables was found statistically significant; fluid transmission had a p-value<0.05 for all material, SKC, and structure factors; heat retention was also significantly affected by material and SKC variation. The SKC size expansion promoted auxeticity up to optimum size of 9×9. Corresponding associations estimation using bubble plot analysis revealed positive correlations between fluid transmissions and durability attributes; however, an increase in fluid transmission compromised the heat retention of materials.

Exploring weft knit fabric defects based on their presence and quality impact: A case study

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; While addressing grey fabric quality in a renowned circular weft knitting mill of Bangladesh, the authors experienced some questionable approach practiced by knitters. The subjective nature of defect detection by knitters/inspectors often time causes wrong emphasizing on frequently occurring defect(s) instead of focusing on influential defect(s) and subsequently, employing wrong quality control approach to minimize the grey fabric defects. Knit fabric defects (e.g., hole, stain, press-off, gout, miss knit, barrè, tucking, etc.) should be assessed by type, fault coverage, gravity and the frequency of occurrence instead of focusing only on frequency of occurrence in the fabric. In this study, grey weft-knitted fabric quality is investigated based on influential defects instead of frequently occurring defects. Quality data of single jersey, fleece and 1X1 rib were gathered and analyzed from an established knitting factory in Bangladesh over three months duration. A fabric inspection machine and 4-point inspection method were employed in this study. Gout was found as the most frequently occurring defect for each fabric type but not influential for rib fabric. For a significant amount of knitted fabrics, totaling of 55,524.91 m2 inspected fabric, the most occurring defects were ranked as gout, press-off, hole, miss knit, stain, and tucking and influential defects (based on inspection points) were ranked as gout, press-off, hole, stain, miss knit, and tucking (highest to lowest). In the inspection report, the knitter/inspector mistakenly categorized gout as the most occurring as well as the most influential defect for 1X1 rib fabrics and suggested remedies accordingly.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Compaction behaviour of weft-knitted rib fabrics from glass yarn

Single- and multi-layer compressibility behaviors of weft-knitted glass yarn fabrics with 1x1, 2x2, English and fisherman rib architectures were analyzed in this study. Compaction and relaxation curves were modeled with the power-law ( P = a V f n where P , and V f are pressure and fiber volume fraction, respectively). The analysis of “ a ” constant (i.e. pressure to achieve fiber volume fraction of one) revealed that: 1) repetitive relaxation and reloading to maximum compaction stiffened the fabric stack and improved the fiber content 2) 1x1 rib architecture required the highest compaction to achieve fiber volume fraction of one due to its loose and porous structure 3) adjacent fabric layers nested in each other in multi-layer fabrics. The analysis of “ n ” exponent (stiffening index) indicated that: 1) initial compaction stiffened the fabric stack 2) while the slack English rib architecture exhibited the lowest index, the tight fisherman rib exhibited the highest index 3) number of layer did not alter the index. Absorbed strain energy analysis indicated that 1x1 and 2x2 ribs relaxed better than the other architectures. The side-by-side and alternating placement of face and back plain loop bars in these architectures eased the sliding of the bars over each other that increased the energy absorption. The number of fabric layer increased the relaxation at statistically insignificant level.

Mechanism and Design Method of Load Transfer into Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Arch Ribs through Perfobond-Rib-Shear Connectors

In terms of load transfer, the design of the joints in concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) arch bridges is more critical than that in buildings due to the higher likelihood of steel–concrete-interface debonding. To improve the contact at the steel–concrete interface, a novel arch rib was manufactured by longitudinally welding perfobond-rib-shear connectors to the inner surface of a steel tube and then filling the tube with concrete. In this study, extensive numerical and analytical investigations on the mechanism of introducing loads into CFST arch ribs through perfobond-rib-shear connectors were carried out. A deck CFST arch bridge, namely, the Shuangbao Bridge in China, was selected as a typical application location. The design parameters, including the geometric dimensions of the perfobond-rib-shear connector and the arrangement of the perfobond rib along the cross-section and longitudinal section of the arch rib, were evaluated. The design flow for the joint with perfobond-rib-shear connectors between the vertical columns and the CFST arch ribs was proposed. To improve the load-transfer efficiency, the design scheme of the joint in the Shuangbao Bridge was optimized by replacing the weld studs with perfobond ribs. Significant increases of 1.84–4.02 in the shear resistance were found for the perfobond ribs compared to the welded studs. Additionally, the fabrication of the perfobond ribs was more convenient compared to that of the welded studs.

Moisture management properties and drying behaviour of knitted fabrics for inner layer applications

The present research work is focused on moisture management properties and drying behaviour of various knitted fabrics for inner layer application. Nineteen knitted samples have been prepared by changing the blend percentage of wool/acrylic, number of filaments in polypropylene yarn and structure of knitted fabric. Yarns of different blend ratio of wool/acrylic fibre are used to knit fabrics of different structure. Polypropylene yarns having different number of filaments are also used to knit samples of different structure. These fabrics are tested for moisture management properties and drying behaviour. Wetting time, absorption rate, spreading speed, wetting radius, accumulative one-way transport index (AOWTI), overall moisture management capacity (OMMC), drying time and drying rate of the fabrics have been studied. It is observed that the overall performance of polypropylene knitted fabric and cotton knitted fabric are better as compared to the wool/acrylic having same structural parameters. The OMMC index of polypropylene plain knit, pile knit and cotton knit fabric is found as 0.70, 0.60 and 0.75 respectively. The polypropylene and cotton knitted fabrics shows better results than others in terms of the parameters, like maximum wetting radius, AOWTI, etc. Polypropylene knitted pile structure fabric shows minimum drying time (0.228 h) and zero residual moisture after wash at 90 min under standard conditions. So, it is found that the higher wool content in fabrics gives better moisture management and drying behaviour. Polypropylene fabrics having high number of filaments in the constituent yarn show better moisture management and drying behaviour than the wool/acrylic fabrics. Moisture management and drying behaviour of pile fabrics are better than the plain and rib fabrics.

Electrical properties and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of cotton/antistatic polyester knitted fabrics treated with antibacterial finish

The electrical properties and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of raw, dyed and softened, and treated with an antibacterial finish polygiene VO-600 cotton/antistatic polyester fabrics of two knit patterns, such as 1 × 1 rib and half-Milano rib, giving a very similar appearance for the fabric surface and having four polyester percentages (10%, 20%, 30%, and 35%) were investigated. Surface and the volume resistivity were measured according to EN 1149, and the effectiveness of electromagnetic shielding was determined according to ASTM D4935-18. The effect of individual factors (fiber composition, knit pattern, technical side, and treatment) and their complexity on the electrical properties of fabrics was evaluated by applying analysis of variance. The research revealed that the fiber composition of fabrics as an individual factor has the greatest influence on electrical properties. Electrical resistance decreased with the increasing percentage of polyester. Half-Milano rib fabrics were significantly more resistant than 1 × 1 rib fabrics. Raw fabrics were less electrically resistant than dyed and softened fabrics, and treated with antibacterial finish fabrics. Antibacterial finished fabrics were more electrically resistant than dyed and softened fabrics. The analysis of variance revealed that the complexity of investigated factors, such as fiber composition, knit pattern, and treatment, has a significant impact on fabric resistivity for both technical sides. Therefore, when selecting knitted fabrics with a very similar appearance for final applications in daily clothing, not only the impact of individual factors on their performance must be evaluated. The shielding effectiveness of the fabrics was too low to protect against electromagnetic waves.

Sustainable production and evaluation of the properties of polyester-okra blended knitted fabric

The demand for fashionable knit fabric is increasing. Besides that, blended knit fabric, prepared from the blended yarn as well as using different types of yarn is also very popular to the modern customer. That's why, finding of new resource of raw material for fashionable knit fabric preparation is promising in the recent decade. Okra fiber is a biodegradable long staple bast fiber that can be obtained from abundant natural fiber sources after being extracted from lady's finger plants. It has high cellulosic content, worthy strength and modulus, and better thermal properties, making it a potential candidate as a raw material for the creation of stylish knit fabrics. Because of its rigidity and lack of flexibility, okra fiber cannot be spun into yarn on its own. In the current study, 1 × 1 rib fabric prepared from 30 Tex polyester/okra (PO) blended yarn of 80/20 and 85/15 blend ratio. For better comparison corresponding polyester/flax traditionally known as polyester/linen (PL) blended 1 × 1 rib fabric was also prepared. Current study found that, fabric characteristics, such as fabric weight, fabric dimension, air permeability, and bursting strength of PO blended fabric was compatible with PL blended fabric, with the exception of the fabric's hand feel characteristics. The overall findings revealed that the knit fabric qualities of PO mixed fabric were satisfactory. Due to the affordability and accessibility of okra fiber, the PO blended fabrics are very promising, sustainable and may be a viable choice to address the actual need for blended fabrics in the textile knitting industries.

Effect of Tuck Loops on Fabric Properties of Cardigan Derivative Structures

Exploring the effect of tuck loops on fabric properties of some knitted structures was aimed in this study. Samples were produced on a Stoll V-bed knitting loom with 100% acrylic yarn. Five types of knit structures (1x1 rib, half cardigan, double half cardigan, cardigan and double cardigan) were knitted with identical machine settings. Test results revealed that double cardigan fabric has the highest fabric thickness, thermal resistance and coefficient of friction. Double half cardigan provides the highest air permeability, whereas 1x1 rib structure has the highest relative water vapor permeability, mass per unit area and loop length. Half cardigan has the highest bending rigidity. Half cardigan and double half cardigan both have the best pilling results. It was observed that test results of half cardigan-double half cardigan and cardigan-double cardigan are generally similar as pairs. However, dimensional, mechanical and comfort characteristics of 1x1 rib fabric seem quite different.

Study on thermal comfort of aloe viscose seamless knits

Aloe viscose fiber is rich in a variety of active ingredients, with excellent moisturizing and antibacterial properties, and gradually widely used in clothing production. Therefore, this paper focuses on the thermal comfort of aloe viscose seamless knitted clothing, 15 sets of seam knitting sets with different yarn blending ratios and knitted structures were designed. thermal manikin was used in artificial climate to test the thermal resistance and the voting rate of whole body thermal sensation. SPSS two-factor variance analysis and Duncan multiple comparison method were used to analyze the experimental data. The results show that the difference of veil material and knitted structure has an impact on clothing thermal comfort. In all the samples, the veil is made of 100:0 aloe viscose/viscose fiber, and the thermal comfort of the seam knitting garment w Abstract: In order to study the thermal comfort performance of aloe viscose fiber seamless knitted clothing, 15 sets of seam knitting sets with different yarn blending ratios and knitted structures were designed. Thermal manikin was used in artificial climate to test the thermal resistance and the voting rate of whole body thermal sensation. SPSS two-factor variance analysis and Duncan multiple comparison method were used to analyze the experimental data. The results show that the difference of veil material and knitted structure has an impact on clothing thermal comfort. In all the samples, the veil is made of 100:0 aloe viscose/viscose fiber, and the thermal comfort of the seam knitting garment with the knitted structure of 1 + 3 false rib fabric is the best, with the sets thermal resistance of 0.289 m2 K/W and the sets PMV value of −1.75. It provides theoretical basis and guiding significance for the future production of aloe seamless knitted clothing with excellent thermal resistance.

The effect of miss stitches on the dimensional and stretch properties of double weft cotton/flax knitted fabrics

This research aims to investigate the influence of single miss stitches on the structural characteristics, dimensional stability, and stretch properties of double weft cotton/flax knitted fabrics. The study encompasses nine fabric variants with different numbers of knit and miss stitches in the repeat, alongside with half Milano rib fabric. All knitted fabrics are produced using a 2-ply 25x2tex x 2 cotton/flax blend yarn (70% cotton, 30% flax) on a 10 -gage flat-bed knitting machine. The comprehensive analysis encompasses crucial structural properties after dry relaxation for 10 days and after four washing cycles. Also, both the dimensional properties and stretch properties were examined b lengthwise and widthwise. It was found that the lengthwise dimensional changes for all fabrics were significantly greater than widthwise. The interlooping repeat significantly affects the widthwise fabric shrinkage: an increase in the percentage of missed stitches in the repeat leads to a decrease in the widthwise shrinkage. The full lengthwise deformation of studied fabrics ranges between 15% and 25%, while the widthwise value reaches up to 63% and depends on miss stitches repeat. An Increasing the percentage of missed stitches in the repeat leads to a decrease in the widthwise stretching due to the floats’ positioning in this direction. Fabrics with the same percentage of miss stitches in the repeat show similar levels of structural characteristics, shrinkage and deformations. In brief, this research offers valuable insights into the properties of double knitted fabrics with different single miss stitches. Understanding how these stitches influence fabric characteristics can greatly optimize textile design and manufacturing for both fashion and technical textiles.

The Effect of Rib Fabric Pattern and Yarn Composition on the Mechanical Properties of Polyester Matrix Composites Reinforced by Weft-Knitted Fabric

In this study, polyester matrix composites reinforced by 1x1, 2x2, half- and full-cardigan rib pattern weft-knitted fabrics from glass and glass/aramid hybrid yarns were produced. Tensile, flexural and impact tests were applied to the composites. The 2x2 rib pattern composite showed the highest thickness and density. The hybridization of glass yarn with aramid yarn increased the thickness, while it decreased the density of composites. The 2x2 rib pattern composite showed the highest tensile modulus and tensile strength. Yarn hybridization increased tensile strength at statistically significant level. The composite with full-cardigan rib pattern displayed considerably higher flexural modulus and flexural strength than the composites with the other patterns. When glass and hybrid composites were considered separately, the rib fabric pattern exhibited significant effect on maximum load. The rib fabric pattern displayed also significant effect on absorbed energy for glass composites. The yarn hybridization dramatically increased maximum load and absorbed impact energy.

An approach to improve the elasticity of rib fabric through mechanical and chemical finishing

In recent years, the demand for knit fabric has increased significantly due to some of its unique properties like comfortability, stretchability, easy care, excellent wrinkle resistance and a high degree of fashion features. Among the different types of knit fabric, rib fabric is very popular for its elasticity. There is a demand for more elasticity of rib fabric in manufacturing apparel like sportswear. A common practice is to use elastane yarn along with native yarn to increase the knit fabric’s elasticity. Elastane fibres are synthetic fibres which are not comfortable. Elastane yarns are costly and cause a few difficulties during knitting. In this study, a combination of mechanical and chemical finishing processes has been introduced to increase the elasticity of 100% cotton rib fabric. The best possible finishing route was incorporated to maximize the rib fabric elasticity. It was observed that rib fabric elasticity can be increased up to 1.5 times from its native value. The material cost between the new proposed process and the existing elastic fabric manufacturing process was compared. It was found that the new process is much cheaper. This is an approach to finding an easy, industrially applicable and cost-effective method to maximize rib fabric elasticity without using any elastane yarn.

Heat transmission and air flow friction in a solar air heater with a ribbed absorber plate: A computational study

The influence of geometrical parameters of V-symmetry ribs on heat flow and fluid flow characteristics of solar air heater (SAH) rectangular duct with ribbed absorber is investigated theoretically. Fabrication of ribs in repeated artificial protrusions pattern on the absorber surface appears as a simple approach for increasing the solar collectors radiation harnessing capacity. The various characteristics of artificial roughness protrusions include relative roughness height (e/Dh), relative roughness pitch (p/e), and angle of attack of flow (α), and the span of these parameters is determined based on experimental considerations of the device and working circumstances. To measure the improvement in the coefficient of heat transfer and friction factor, the outcomes were correlated to those of a smooth conduit under identical flow characteristics. The greatest increase in Stanton number and friction factor is 1.13 and 1.19 folds that of the smooth SAH duct, correspondingly.

Structural and compressibility properties of weft-knitted rib fabrics from glass yarn

The structural and compressibility properties of the weft-knitted glass yarn fabrics from 1x1, 2x2, English, and fisherman rib architectures were investigated in this study. Due to their tight structures; 2x2 and fisherman rib fabric architectures exhibited higher loop density, and shorter loop length than 1x1 and English rib fabric architectures. English and fisherman rib fabric architectures displayed higher fiber volume fraction than 1x1 and 2x2 rib architectures in multi-layer compaction and recovery tests where the pressure was varied between 2 and 200 kPa. Number of layer increased the fiber content that pointed the nesting between the fabric layers. As a result of lack of complete recovery from compression; the fabrics exhibited lower thicknesses (i.e. higher fiber volume fractions) during the recovery periods than they did during the compression periods. A second order polynomial regression model with 0,89 R2 (coefficient of determination) was developed to estimate the fiber volume fraction by means of knit architecture, number of fabric layers, pressure, and measurement period.

Study on the Structure and Skin Moisturizing Properties of Hyaluronic Acid Viscose Fiber Seamless Knitted Fabric for Autumn and Winter.

In autumn and winter, the climate is dry and human skin tends to become dry as a result. The application of hyaluronic acid to a fabric has a certain moisturizing effect, which can further improve the wearing comfort of the fabric. In this study, three knitted fabric structures including weft plain stitch, 1 + 1 mock rib, and 1 + 3 mock rib were designed. The face yarn adopted hyaluronic acid viscose fiber, graphene viscose fiber, nylon, and viscose with different interweaving ratios, and the inner yarn adopted nylon/spandex-coated wire. A total of 18 sample knitted fabrics were woven according to the experimental method of the full test. The effects of the fabric structure and fabric raw materials on skin moisturizing properties were studied and analyzed by testing the skin water content and trans-epidermal water loss before and after coating the fabric on the human skin. The results show that the most significant factor affecting the skin moisture content is the raw material used in the fabric. When the interweaving ratio of hyaluronic acid viscose fiber in the fabric decreases, the moisturizing performance of the fabric on human skin is weakened. The second is the fabric structure. In terms of structure, 1 + 1 mock rib fabric has better moisturizing performance for human skin. When the material adopts hyaluronic acid viscose fiber/graphene viscose fiber (100:0) and the structure adopts 1 + 1 mock rib, the moisturizing effect on human skin is better.

Physical, Structural and Air Permeability Properties of Glass Yarn Weft Knitted Rib Fabrics from Different Patterns

Bu çalışmada cam ipliğinden 1x1, 2x2, İngiliz ve balıkçı ribana desenlerinde üretilmiş atkılı örme kumaşların fiziksel, yapısal ve hava geçirgenliği özellikleri bu kumaşlarla güçlendirilmiş polimer matrisli kompozit malzeme üretimi düşünülerek mercek altına alınmıştır. 2x2 ribana deseni hem makine üzerinde hem de makineden alındıktan sonra, desen kaynaklı kumaş iç geriliminin bir neticesi olarak, ilmek sırası yönünde dramatik bir şekilde daralmıştır. Bu daralma sıkı ve sert tutumlu bir kumaş yapısı ortaya koymuştur. Diğer yandan balıkçı ribana deseninde her iki yüzde yer alan askı ilmekler, kumaş makineden alındıktan sonra, ilmek çubuklarının saat ibreleri yönünde dönüp birbiri üzerine yuvalanmalarını sağlayarak kumaş boyunu kısaltmış ve sıkı bir yapı oluşturmuştur. Sıkı bir kumaş yapısına sahip olmalarından ötürü; 2x2 ve balıkçı ribana desenleri, 1x1 ve İngiliz ribana desenlerine kıyasla daha yüksek kalınlık, alansal yoğunluk ve ilmek yoğunluğu gösterirken, daha düşük bir ilmek uzunluğu sergilemiştir. En gevşek kumaş yapısına sahip olan 1x1 ribana deseni en yüksek hava geçirgenliğini sergilerken, en sert tuşeli ve sıkı yapılı 2x2 ribana deseni en düşük hava geçirgenliğini sergilemiştir. Hava geçirgenliği ile ilmek uzunluğu arasında en güçlü pozitif korelasyon gözlemlenirken, hava geçirgenliği ile ilmek sırası sıklığı arasında en güçlü negatif korelasyon gözlemlenmiştir. Bu çalışma, kumaş sıklığını ve buna bağlı olarak hava geçirgenliğini kontrol eden örgü desen parametresi değiştirilerek fark lif hacimsel oranlarında ve çeşitli mekanik özelliklere sahip cam ipliğinden atkılı örme kumaş takviyeli kompozitlerin üretilebileceğini göstermiştir.

Highly Sensitive MXene Helical Yarn/Fabric Tactile Sensors Enabling Full Scale Movement Detection of Human Motions

AbstractTextile‐based wearable electronics combined with nanomaterials are ideal devices that have good electrical and thermal conductivity, and flexibility. With a metal conductivity and metalloid flexibility, 2D titanium carbide MXene is excellent enough for producing intelligent textiles. Here, a wrapping forming method is provided to fabricate MXene textile strain (MTS) sensors with high gauge factor (GF) of 715.94 as high as strain of 200%. Periodic cycling indicated that the MTS wrapped yarn is stable, which can track changes of facial expressions precisely as the small deformation. Weaving MTS yarns into fabric as glove and sensing belt can recognize sign language and record middle and large motions of human body, respectively. On the other hand, walking postures and electric heating are accurately detected by coating MXene dispersions on elastic and breathable spacer fabric as piezoresistive insoles, which is especially beneficial to the elderly and patients with foot diseases. Therefore, a unique strategy is proposed for full scale human motions monitoring by fabricating MXene helical yarns served as sensitive strain sensors, weft rib fabric that detected the in‐plane deformations and spacer fabric piezoresistive insole behaved as pressure sensors to monitor the step patterns so that suiting for wearable versatile sensing system.

A study of the physical properties and bending stiffness of antistatic and antibacterial knitted fabrics

Different fiber blends, knit patterns, and treatments may be applied to increase the functionality and comfort of knitted fabrics. In this research, the physical properties and bending stiffness of 1 × 1 rib and half-milano rib fabrics with four fiber blends (90% cotton/10% antistatic PET, 80% cotton/20% antistatic PET, 70% cotton/30% antistatic PET, and 65% cotton/35% antistatic PET) applied to each knit pattern were studied. The effect of fabric direction (course and wale), technical side (face side and back side), and treatment (dying, softening with Aquasoft® SI hydrophilic softener, and Polygiene VO-600 antibacterial finish) on the physical characteristics and bending stiffness of the fabrics was evaluated. The results revealed that dyeing and softening increased the fabric area density and both wale and course densities and decreased fabric thicknesses compared to the control fabrics. The antibacterial finish applied to the softened samples did not change the physical properties. Bending stiffness in the course direction was lower than in the wale direction, and it was higher for technical face samples than for technical back ones. The 1 × 1 rib knitted fabrics showed lower stiffness than the half-milano rib fabrics. Treatment of the investigated fabrics decreased bending stiffness for both treatment sample groups compared to the control group.

Flexible Capacitive Pressure Sensor Based on an Embedded Rib Fabric With a Bionic Sloping Petal Structure

High-performance flexible pressure sensors play an important role in the field of human body detection and human–computer interaction. This study proposes a new low-cost capacitive sensor that can achieve high sensitivity and stability over a wide range of tactile pressures (0–80 kPa). In addition, the nanowires were deposited into a flexible fabric that is embedded in polydimethylsiloxane to form a hydrophilic and hydrophobic layered electrode layer. The multilayer fiber structure of the rib fabric ensures good electrical conductivity. The sensitivity of the sensor that is made from the slanted bionic microstructure is seven times that of the dielectric layer without the microstructure. The measured response recovery time (13.4 ms) is suitable for real-time dynamic monitoring. Because a small temperature has little impact on the sensor, the sensor can be widely used in close-fitting wearable devices. It can also quickly identify the bending movement of the finger joints, as well as the finger pressure. Meanwhile, the sensor shows excellent stability and can withstand more than 7,000 load/unload cycle tests. This sensor has broad application prospects such as human health, motion monitoring, and human-computer interaction control.