Mechanical Properties of Knitted Composites using Glass Ply Yarns

Abstract

In this paper, double layered rib knitted, glass fabric-reinforced epoxy laminates made of untwisted roving and twisted ply yarns are investigated for their tensile, flexural, and impact properties. The effect of stacking sequence [0/0 and 0/90] and the introduction of inlay fiber strands on the above-mentioned properties are also studied. Introduction of inlays leads to superior mechanical properties in the coursewise direction compared to that in the walewise direction. Impact property of the 0/90 stacking sequence was found to be superior compared to that of the 0/0 sequencing. Composites reinforced with twisted ply yarns result in slightly lower mechanical properties compared to the mechanical properties of laminates reinforced with untwisted roving strands.