The influence of structural parameters of fabrics on the bending strength of T-shaped composites

Abstract

Fabric-reinforced composites with an assumed cross-sectional shape due to their specific properties and the possibility of their shaping are increasingly used in many industrial sectors. The article presents the results of research on the influence of T-shaped fabric structural parameters on the bending strength of the composites reinforced with this fabric. The composites were reinforced with a designed 3D fabric, which was made in one step on a classic harness loom. The test results showed that the increase in the bending strength of the T-composite was influenced by the increase of the warp and weft density in the web and the reduction of the weft density in the base. The most important cross-sectional element influencing the bending strength of the T-shaped composite is the web element and the distribution of threads in this composite element. In addition, the T-shaped structure was reinforced by using a multilayer fabric in the appropriate cross-sectional elements. There was a three-fold increase in bending strength compared to composites with the fabric without reinforcement. The strength properties of the composite are influenced by the ‘density’ of the structure expressed by the density of threads. By modifying the construction of the reinforced fabric, the bending strength properties can be shaped.