Mechanical Properties of Flexible Knitted Composites

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of the matrix material and the degree of prestretch of a knitted fibre structure on the mechanical properties of knitted composites with low fibre volume fractions. By embedding a flexible textile structure in an elastomeric matrix, composite materials are obtained that combine an interesting stress-strain behaviour with extreme extensibility and relatively high levels of energy absorption. Although this study focuses on the influence of the degree of prestretch of the knitted structure on composite properties based on rubbery matrices, reference materials based on highly cross-linked epoxy resins were also studied.