Fabric Structure Research Articles

Numerical analysis of ballistic performance in hybrid structures of triaxial and plain fabrics

Numerical analysis of ballistic performance in hybrid structures of triaxial and plain fabrics

Flexible Strain Sensors with Ultra-High Sensitivity and Wide Range Enabled by Crack-Modulated Electrical Pathways

Abstract This study presents a breakthrough in flexible strain sensor technology with the development of an ultra-high sensitivity and wide-range sensor, addressing the critical challenge of reconciling sensitivity with measurement range. Inspired by the structure of bamboo slips, we introduce a novel approach that utilises liquid metal to modulate the electrical pathways within a cracked platinum fabric electrode. The resulting sensor demonstrates a gauge factor greater than 108 and a strain measurement capability exceeding 100%. The integration of patterned liquid metal enables customisable tuning of the sensor’s response, while the porous fabric structure ensures superior comfort and air permeability for the wearer. Our design not only optimises the sensor’s performance but also enhances the electrical stability that is essential for practical applications. Through systematic investigation, we reveal the intrinsic mechanisms governing the sensor’s response, offering valuable insights for the design of wearable strain sensors. The sensor’s exceptional performance across a spectrum of applications, from micro-strain to large-strain detection, highlights its potential for a wide range of real-world uses, demonstrating a significant advancement in the field of flexible electronics.

Role of stable‐structural yarns and fabrics on the tensile and bending performance of carbon fiber resin composites

AbstractThe component yarns and fabrics effected the formability and stability of preforms, and finally determined the performance of corresponding composites. In this research, four typical fabric structures of carbon fiber resin composites (CFRC) were introduced to conduct the comparative investigation. The stability of component yarns in natural state and in fabrics have been discussed at mesoscopic scale, and the main methods to improve the structural stability of preforms were proposed. Composites with and without stable‐structural fibers and fabrics were manufactured by the modified curing process, and the yarn cross‐sections in specimens were analyzed. The tensile and bending performance of these composite specimens was comparatively conducted to discuss the influence of stable preforms on the elastic properties. The fracture mode and mechanism of specimens were illustrated in meso‐scale. The results depicted that yarns and fabrics with stable‐structural cross‐section could ensure a high fiber volume fraction, reducing the curvature of load‐bearing yarns, and effectively reduce the yarn curvature along bearing direction. The high interfacial bonding strength of composites with stable geometrical fabrics exhibited the excellent in‐plane mechanical properties, and presented the obvious brittle fracture characteristics when the fibers fully exert their load‐bearing capacity.Highlights Stable‐structural fibers result in the prominent performance of composites. Performance of composites with stable preforms show the low dispersion. Stable cross‐section of component yarns can enhance the stability of preforms. Low curvature yarns lead to brittle fracture characteristics of composites.

Topography-Mediated Induction of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition via Alumina Textiles for Potential Wound Healing Applications.

Substrate topography is vital in determining cell growth and fate of cellular behavior. Although current invitro studies of the underlying cellular signaling pathways mostly rely on their induction by specific growth factors or chemicals, the influence of substrate topography on specific changes in cells has been explored less often. This study explores the impact of substrate topography, specifically the tricot knit microfibrous structure of alumina textiles, on cell behavior, focusing on fibroblasts and keratinocytes for potential wound healing applications. The textiles, studied for the first time as invitro substrates, demonstrated support for keratinocyte adhesion, leading to alterations in cell morphology and the expression of E-cadherin and fibronectin. These topography-induced changes resembled the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), crucial for wound healing, and were specific to keratinocytes and absent in identically treated fibroblasts. Biochemically induced EMT in keratinocytes cultured on flat alumina substrates mirrored the changes seen with alumina textiles alone, suggesting the tricot knit microfibrous topography could serve as an invitro model system to induce EMT-like mechanisms. These results enhance our understanding of how substrate topography influences EMT-related processes in wound healing, paving the way for further evaluation of microfibrous alumina textiles as innovative wound dressings.

Developing computational and experimental models of heat transfer through multi-layered textile structures

Object signature management is a critical and urgent task that helps conceal and restrict the detection of contemporary optoelectronic systems. The design of thermal camouflage textiles and material solutions constitute a significant scientific area, however publications in this area are restricted because of military competitiveness and technological secrecy. Research on thermal camouflage materials has drawn interest both domestically and internationally for a variety of purposes, especially in military applications. Multi-layered Textile Structures (MTS) is a material with several advantages, such as its simple structure, capacity to combine many different materials with many different qualities, and great applicability. The article includes a model of computation and simulation of heat transfer through multi-layer textiles, as well as tests to assess the heat shielding effect and heat radiation energy of some samples of multi-layer textiles made of domestic materials. The initial computational and experimental results constitute an important foundation for further research and application of multi-layered textile structures.

Comprehensive Approach to Evaluating the Macro- and Micropore Structures of Textile Materials

Introduction. The assessment of the macro- and microporous structure of textile fabrics is increasingly relevant for predicting their permeability, dyeability, and decorative potential. This evaluation plays a crucial role in determining the hygienic properties of clothing materials, optimizing dyeing and finishing processes, and assessing the filtration capabilities of technical fabrics in various dispersed media.Problem Statement. Challenges persist in accurately predicting the permeability of textile fabrics, as well as in determining the optimal parameters for dyeing and finishing processes.Purpose. The purpose of this research is developing a rapid, cost-effective, and accurate method to evaluate the macro- and microporous structure of textile materials is essential for assessing their permeability and suitability for dyeing and fi nishing processes.Materials and Methods. To study the porous structure of textile fabrics, we select the fabrics that varied in the thread structure — yarn produced by traditional and shortened methods — and in the fibrous composition. The first fabric is made from complex polyamide threads in a plain weave, the second from twill-woven polyester fiber yarn, and the third differs from the second in the structure of the weft thread. The macro- and microporous structures of these textile fabrics have been assessed by means of drying methods and sorption thermograms.Results. The micro- and macroporous structures of textile fabrics made from polyamide threads and polyester fibers have been compared. It has been found that the fabric made from polyamide threads exhibits a significantly higher sorption capacity than the fabric made from polyester fibers. This finding suggests that the fabrics made from polyamide threads possess a more developed microporous structure. This fact enhances their dyeing and decorating capabilities as compared with the fabrics made from polyester fibers. A comprehensive approach, utilizing both drying methods and sorption thermograms, has been employed to evaluate the macro- and microporous structures of the textile fabrics. Conclusions. The proposed comprehensive approach enables comparative studies of various textile materials, allowing for the refinement of technological processes for dyeing and decorating, as well as the identification of potential applications for these materials.

The Rehabilitation of the Old Medina of Bejaad, Morocco: a Technological Approach (BIM) to Enhance the Built Heritage

Objective: This study proposes a process of revitalization and regeneration of the old medina of Bejaad, as well as a methodology for the technical analysis of its urban fabric and traditional structures, while respecting the inherent values of its constructions. Through data related to the location of each building and a more in-depth investigation, a global relationship with its environment and history is established. Theoretical Framework: The old medina of Bejaad, through its ancient fabric and its potential social and economic wealth, should be leveraged for the development of this spiritual city. This built heritage is characterized by buildings that, for the most part, have preserved an uncommon restraint, maintaining the art of past construction and the secrets of local housing. Its housing is composed of two types of built fabric: traditional and more recent structures. These two types of buildings are connected by a network of public spaces that bring the inhabitants together. Method: Creation of specific Building Information Modelling (BIM) object libraries, derived from three-dimensional models created by 3D scanning using Lidar technology. Results and Discussion: The results of this investigation highlight the need to identify new methodologies for studying the built environment, which no longer focus solely on individual building types, but encompass the broader scale of the fabric, within which it is possible to assess the constructive relationships between the elements composing the block. This is achieved through a process of adopting measures for the protection, rehabilitation, and appropriation of their living environment. Originality/Value: The study proposes a practical evaluation approach by providing precise data to improve the preservation of the built heritage of the old medina of Bejaad, with the aim of establishing an architectural, urban, and landscape charter for the city and its components.

Advancing characterization of VOC diffusion in indoor fabrics: A dual-porosity modeling approach

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are major chemical pollutants in indoor air. Indoor fabrics, such as curtains, carpets, sofas, and clothes, strongly adsorb VOCs due to their high loading rates and large specific surface areas. The desorption of VOCs from these fabrics can act as a secondary source, worsening indoor air pollution and prolonging its effects. The diffusion coefficient is a key parameter that determines the source-sink properties of fabrics. In this study, the VOC diffusion characteristics in fabrics were investigated through microstructural examination, mass transfer analysis, and environmental chamber experiments. Yarn and fiber gaps were identified as dual mass transfer channels within the fabrics and were represented using two distinct fractal models. A dual-porosity medium (DPM) model, based on these fractal representations, was developed to predict the VOC diffusion coefficients in indoor fabrics and was validated via experiments under various environmental conditions and fabric-VOC combinations. The results highlight the significant impact of fabric structure and composition on VOC adsorption and emission dynamics. The validated DPM model provides a comprehensive approach to predicting VOC diffusion in fabrics, providing a more accurate method for assessing indoor air quality and fabric-mediated human exposure.

Open source tool for Micro-CT aided meso-scale modeling and meshing of complex textile composite structures

Volumetric image-based modeling of textile reinforcements and composites is favored over ideal geometric modeling because of its ability to represent complex structures in sufficient detail. Although several approaches were devised, there is still a scarcity of dedicated tools capable of effectively transferring pertinent information from images to high-fidelity models. This work presents the open source project, PolyTex, a Python-based object-oriented application that establishes a streamlined and reproducible workflow for such tasks. Dual kriging serves as the foundational theory for the parametric approach developed to represent, simplify, and approximate the morphology and topology of fiber tows. The code takes two types of input, either an explicit representation of tow geometry using point clouds or implicit representations, such as image masks representing fiber tows separately with grayscale values. Tailored APIs allow for smooth integration between PolyTex’s modeling capabilities and the simulation environments offered by OpenFOAM and Abaqus. Case studies on virtual testing of textile permeability were presented to demonstrate this capability. The modular and object-oriented design makes PolyTex a highly reusable and extensible tool that allows users to create a customized pipeline.

Industrial production of asymmetric wettability patterned fabric for efficient atmospheric water harvesting

While harvesting water from the atmosphere is considered as a promising technology to address the increasing issue of water scarcity, its wide applications are still limited by the difficulty in mass production of water harvesting materials. Here, an industrial-producible asymmetric wettability patterned fabric (AWPF) with high water harvesting capacity is developed using a continuous and low-cost weaving technology. Four textile patterns are developed for high-efficiency atmospheric water harvesting. The alternating patterned surface in AWPF is constructed with hydrophilic bumps and hydrophobic grooves using one set of green fluorine-free superhydrophobic polyester warp yarns and two sets of superhydrophobic polyester/hydrophilic viscose weft yarns. We optimized the water collection performance of the single-sided AWPF by spraying co-MBAA-DVB superhydrophobic material on the back of the AWPF to construct a wetting gradient, that is, double-sided AWPF. The double-sided AWPF shows a strong water harvesting capacity of 2840.2 mg·6h−1·cm−2, which increased the water harvesting efficiency by 43.2 % compared with the unoptimized single-sided AWPF. To reduce the pressure drop, 6 mm wide the double-sided AWPF was designed, resulting in a water harvesting capacity that is 1.23 times higher than that of without cutting. This advanced industrialized weaving technology with an asymmetric fabric structure design holds great potential for substantial water harvesting.

Elucidation of the Effect of Solar Light on the Near-Infrared Excitation Raman Spectroscopy-Based Analysis of Fabric Dyes.

Colored textiles are valuable physical evidence often found at crime scenes. Analysis of the chemical structure of textiles could be used to establish a connection between fabric found at a crime scene and suspect cloths. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectroscopy coupled HPLC are traditionally used for the identification of dyes in fabric. However, these techniques are invasive and destructive. A growing body of evidence indicates that near-infrared excitation (λ = 830 nm) Raman spectroscopy (NIeRS) could be used to probe the chemical signature of such colorants. At the same time, it remains unclear whether environmental factors, such as solar light could lower the accuracy of NIeRS-based identification of dyes in textiles. In this study, we exposed cotton fabric colored with six different dyes to light and investigated the extent to which colorants fade during seven weeks using NIeRS. We found a decrease in the intensities of all vibrational bands in the acquired spectra as the time of the exposition of fabric to light increased. Nevertheless, utilization of partial least-squared discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) enabled identification of the colorants at all eight weeks. These results indicate that the effect of light exposure should be strongly considered by forensic experts upon the NIeRS-based analysis of colored fabric.

Modifying 3D composite textiles as functional panels

Honeycomb fabric-reinforced composites have been widely used recently, due to their prominent properties, when compared to other materials. This is because they are lighter in weight and stronger than other materials. Thus, they can absorb different types of energies, such as mechanical and thermal energies. A multi-layer fabric is developed by creating a unique fabric structure, to enable the presence of air voids within the panels produced, which diminishes the heat transfer rate through the material. The structure applied in samples used in this manuscript is novel, as it consists of a 3D fabric produced using a traditional loom with a special technique, by dividing the warp yarns into four layers. A skin of textile, produced from textile wastes, is applied, along with the technique of hardening the 3D fabrics to keep the open areas in the structure with the aid of pre-designed pins and a resin. The composite panel was produced with the pins used to open the fabric’s structure, and the resin was applied as a matrix holding the structure and keeping its dimensions. Panels of the 3D fabric-reinforced composite obtained from cotton and polyester yarns were produced, to achieve thermal insulation and good mechanical properties, which enable the use of the fabric in various applications. The fabric has two panels of each material, one with skin and the other without skin. This skin consists of low-quality fabric, mainly made from textile wastes. The physical and mechanical characteristics of the developed panels were measured. Functional performance, such as thermal and sound properties, were also measured. Testing thermal conductivity, it was found that panels made of cotton had higher conductivity than panels made of polyester. In addition, the presence of the skin improved the thermal insulation and mechanical strength of the panels compared to those without skin. In mechanical testing, polyester-based panels showed better mechanical properties than panels based on cotton. In sound absorption testing, all samples reached the limits for sound absorption. The number of layers affected the sound absorption coefficient (SAC) and the noise reduction coefficient (NRC). Also, the presence of the skin improved NRC. Finally, all samples had an aesthetic appearance, due to the presence of surface waves, but the sample containing the polyester material, with double layers, and the laminated skin made of waste fabric had the highest functional panel performance, in terms of radar chart areas. This means that it can be used in the field of architecture as a façade panel or as an indoor wall used for isolation, which do not require paint.

Enhancing Force Absorption, Stress-Strain and Thermal Properties of Weft-Knitted Inlay Spacer Fabric Structures for Apparel Applications.

The pursuit of materials that offer both wear comfort and protection for functional and protective clothing has led to the exploration of weft-knitted spacer structures. Traditional cushioning materials such as spacer fabrics and laminated foam often suffer from deformation under compression stresses, thus compromising their protective properties. This study investigates the enhancement of the force absorption, stress-strain, and thermal properties of weft-knitted spacer fabrics with inlays. Surface yarns with superior stretchability and thermal properties are used and combined with elastic yarns in various patterns to fabricate nine different inlay samples. The mechanical and thermal properties of these samples are systematically analyzed, including their compression, stretchability, thermal comfort, and surface properties. The results show that the inlay spacer fabric exhibits superior compression properties and thermal conductivity compared to traditional laminated foam and spacer fabrics while maintaining stretchability, thus providing better performance than traditional fabrics for protective clothing and wearable cushioning products. This study further confirms that the type of inlay yarn and inlay structure are crucial factors that significantly influence the thermal, tensile, and compressive properties of the fabric. This research provides valuable insights into the design and development of advanced textile structures to improve wear comfort and protection in close-fitting apparel applications.

Impact of non-linear radiation on magneto - Casson fluid suspended hybrid nanomaterials in sodium alginate: Smarter textiles

BackgroundThe combination of sodium alginate (SA) and nanoparticles in Casson nanofluids can have several advantages in textile applications such as to enhance the dye absorption and finishing properties and uniform and controlled coatings on complex shapes of the fabric and garments with intricate designs or three-dimensional textile structures etc. These fascinating properties attracted us to work on this article, a Casson hybrid nanoflow under the influence of magnetic effects past a curved stretching surface. Key terms & problem definitionThis study examines the heat transfer characteristics of Casson nanofluid flow over a stretching sheet with nonlinear thermal radiation and convective boundary conditions. A Casson fluid is a non-Newtonian fluid that exhibits a yield stress, meaning it behaves like a solid below a certain shear stress. Nonlinear thermal radiation accounts for the effects of temperature-dependent radiative heat transfer. Convective boundary conditions simulate the heat exchange between the fluid and a surrounding environment. The nanoflow has its base fluid as Sodium Alginate (SA) and a mixture of Silver (Ag) and Titanium oxide (TiO2) is suspended in the fluid. MethodologyThe nanoflow model is cracked numerically employing Runge-Kutta Fehlberg technique along with shooting method. Results of flow affecting parameters on the flow characteristic quantities and engineering quantities are portrayed and presented through graphs and tables. Key findingsHybrid Nanoflow momentum decreases with an increase in the Casson parameter due to the yield stress which quite helps in the controlled and complex shape printing on the garments. The temperature of the nanofluid increases with an increase in nonlinear radiation parameter. In the presence of Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles, the non-linear radiation parameter becomes essential for managing their intricate impact on heat transfer within the fabric. Practical relevanceImproved heat transfer can significantly reduce drying times, leading to increased productivity. More efficient heat transfer can reduce energy consumption. Reduced viscosity can allow for better penetration of fluids into fabrics, leading to more uniform dyeing and finishing. Casson hybrid nanofluids can accelerate the dyeing process and improve colour uniformity. Casson hybrid nanofluids can be used in finishing processes to enhance wrinkle resistance and improve fabric appearance.

Directionally Oriented Reinforcements of Warp-Knitted Fabrics for Composite Preforms.

This paper focuses on the development of a methodology for the directional structural modification of warp-knitted fabrics by sewing on carbon fiber tapes. Four-, five-, and six-axial geometric systems were designed to optimize the qualitative distribution of stresses on the surface of the tested product. Through a numerical experiment in the ANSYS environment, the impact of the change in the axiality of a textile structure on the mechanical properties of the modeled geometric configuration was assessed. This analysis was experimentally verified by measuring the multiaxial force distribution on the knitted surface, which demonstrated that Variant 7, with six axes 30° apart, was the most favorable.

Influence of projectile shape on ballistic behavior of 3D shallow straight-joint woven fabrics

This study investigates the influence of projectile shape on the ballistic behavior of 3D shallow straight-joint woven fabrics (3DSSWFs). Utilizing a series of numerical simulations, we analyze the impact resistance and energy absorption capabilities of 3DSSWFs when subjected to projectiles of varying geometries. The projectile setup includes spherical, conical, flat, and hemispherical projectiles to comprehensively assess their effects on fabric deformation, damage mechanisms, and overall ballistic performance. Results indicate that projectile shape significantly affects the penetration resistance and failure modes of 3DSSWFs. Spherical projectiles tend to cause extensive delamination and localized fabric failure, whereas conical and flat projectiles exhibit different interaction dynamics, influencing the energy dissipation patterns within the fabric matrix. The findings of this study provide critical insights into the complex relationships between projectile geometry and fabric response in 3DSSWFs. By elucidating the role of projectile shape in determining the ballistic limit, energy absorption capacity, and failure mechanisms, this research contributes to the broader understanding of impact dynamics in advanced textile structures.

Mechanical Properties of Spunlace Non-Wovens with a Porous Structure

The paper describes the influence of the drum system construction of two modern carding machines on the porous structure of spunlace non-wovens composed of polyester and viscose. The non-woven fabric structure, including the number and size of the pores, determines the tensile strength of the composites obtained. The spunlace non-wovens were subjected to tensile strength tests in the machine, and cross-directions and microscopic observations of their structure were made. The results of the experiments were used to determine the relationship between the strength of the material and the porosity of its structure. This knowledge was used to prepare recommendations for the manufacturer of wet wipes in order to enable the selection of a carding machine for the mass production of final products with strength properties that meet market requirements and satisfy the end customer.

Smart Green Cotton Textiles with Hierarchically Responsive Conductive Network for Personal Healthcare and Thermal Management.

Whereas cotton as an abundant natural cellulose has been widely used for sustainable and skin-friendly textiles and clothes, developing cotton fabrics with smart functions that could respond to various stimuli is still eagerly desired while remaining a great challenge. Herein, smart multiresponsive cotton fabric with hierarchically copper nanowire interwoven MXene conductive networks that are seamlessly assembled along a 3D woven fabric template for efficient personal healthcare and thermal comfort regulation is successfully developed. The robust hierarchically interwoven conductive network was "glued" and protected by organic conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) along a 3D interconnected fabric template to enhance interfacial adherent and environmental stability. Benefiting from the robust multiresponsive hierarchically interwoven conductive network, smart cotton fabric exhibits real-time response to various external stimuli (light/electrical/heat/temperature/stress), and the details of human activities can be accurately recognized and monitored. Furthermore, the porous structure of 3D smart fabric induced strong capillary force and confinement to phase change materials PEG, which exhibits a wide range of phase transition temperatures for efficient thermal comfort regulation. After further encapsulation with transparent fluorosilicone resin, the smart cotton fabric exhibits excellent self-cleaning performance with water/oil repellent. The smart multiresponsive cotton fabrics hold great promise in next-generation wearable systems for efficient personal healthcare and thermal management.

Analysis of Liquid Transport Performance of Cotton Knitted Fabric Made by the TransDry Technology

ABSTRACT In order to improve a competitiveness of cotton in textile market, an innovative TransDry® technology has been developed. The aim of the work was to investigate the liquid moisture transport in cotton knitted fabrics: standard and made using TransDry® technology. The measurement has been performed using Moisture Management Tester. Additionally, fabrics have been measured in the range of water-vapor permeability and thermal insulation using Permetest and Alambeta. Results showed that both calculated parameters: R – accumulative one-way transport index and OMMC – overall moisture management capacity do not reflect the advantages of the TransDry® technology. The advantages of TransDry® technology have been demonstrated in values of the following parameters: WTT – wetting time for top surface, MWRB – maximum wetted radius for the bottom surface, SST and SSB – spreading speed on both sides of fabric. Results showed that only an in-depth analysis of results of individual parameters and graphs from the MMT software allowed for a detailed examination of movement of liquid moisture in tested fabrics and demonstration of the advantages of TransDry® technology. It has been also concluded that the changes of the structure of knitted fabrics cause the changes of moisture transport properties of the fabrics.

Vibroacoustic characterization of small woven fabrics

This study is aimed to analyze the vibroacoustic behaviour of woven fabrics utilized in small acoustic devices for ingress protection. We first concentrate on predicting and describing the vibration behaviour of the woven fabric structure through flip around, since lumped modelling comes first. A vibration experiment is also conducted to measure the motion of the woven fabric structure under external excitation to validate the modelling. The numerical model is then employed to simulate the vibroacoustic behaviour of the woven fabric via transmission loss calculation; the simulation is then compared with transmission loss measurement based on the four-microphone method. This research demonstrates that despite some limitations, both the numerical and lumped models show a good degree of accuracy in predicting the vibration of the woven structure; the numerical model also performs well in vibroacoustic modelling.