Cut resistant characteristic of weft plain-knitted structure for protective clothing

Abstract

PurposeThe paper aims to study cut resistant property of basic weft plain-knitted fabric for protective clothing.Design/methodology/approachEffects of fiber materials, fabric direction and knitting technology (sinking-depth) were explored, respectively. Cut process of fabric was tracked and the theoretical analysis was provided to evaluate energy transferring of cutting. Fiber-based cut behavior was observed by SEM images. Deformation energy stored in the loop due to yarn bending was regard as initial elastic potential energy of the fabric, which was related to loop structure.FindingsCut resistance of the fiber material was the dominant factor for cut resistance of weft plain-knitted fabric, while unit loop structure played a critical role in improving cut resistance.Social implicationsCut resistance of the fiber material was the dominant factor for cut resistance of weft plain-knitted fabric, while the unit loop structure played a critical role in improving cut resistance.Originality/valueThe paper provides theoretical support of developing flexible protective clothing.