Characterization of effects of weaves on textile reinforced composites
In the past, composites were made from different materials, and gum was obtained from plants and other sources. The resultant products used to have good strengths but were very heavy. Furthermore, the usage of metals in airplane bodies, rackets, helicopter bodies, etc. not only offers strength but a
2025-06-28 16:25:47 - Adil Khan
Characterization of effects of weaves on textile reinforced composites
Project Area of Specialization Mechanical EngineeringProject SummaryIn the past, composites were made from different materials, and gum was obtained from plants and other sources. The resultant products used to have good strengths but were very heavy. Furthermore, the usage of metals in airplane bodies, rackets, helicopter bodies, etc. not only offers strength but also increases the weight of the respective products. These problems are now being catered to by the introduction of textile-reinforced composites in various industries. They are increasingly being used in industries such as medical, sports, automotive, aerospace, construction, etc. due to their distinctive advantages over traditional materials such as ceramics and metals. Textile reinforced composite materials offer high strength to weight ratio and have good fatigue and impact resistance. Their overall properties can be tailored according to the different end uses by changing constituent material types and fabrication parameters such as fiber volume fraction and fiber architecture. A variety of fiber architecture can be obtained by using 2D and 3D fabric production techniques such as knitting, weaving, braiding, and non-woven methods. Each fiber architecture form offers specific performance and mechanical properties to the resulting composites and determines the end-use possibilities and product range. In this study, cotton and polyester yarn will be used to manufacture fabric by weaving method. The resultant fabric will then be used to produce textile reinforced composites by vacuum infusion technology. In the last, testing of resultant textile reinforced composites will be carried out to determine their mechanical properties.
Project ObjectivesObjectives include:
- Selection of multiple yarns based on properties and availability for weaving.
- Choosing the weaving structures based on varying crimp percentages.
- Manufacturing of fabrics on a shuttle loom.
- Composite manufacturing by vacuum infusion.
- Testing the composites.
- Evaluating and concluding the results.
1. Material Selection
The material selected is 2 ply cotton yarn and 2 ply polyester yarn by considering different factors like cost, durability, availability, and for a comparison of natural and synthetic reinforced composites in terms of strength to weight ratios.
2. Weave Manufacturing
Four types of weaves from each Polyester and Cotton yarn will be produced on the handloom. The weave types include 1x1 Plain Weave, 3x1 Twill Weave, 5 end Satin with move no. 2, and a Double-layered weave having composition 3x1+1x3+1x1.
3. Composite Manufacturing
Polyester Resin and Vacuum infusion technique will be used to produce composites. Vacuum infusion has been selected as it is the threshold accepted method for composites manufacturing these days worldwide.
4. Testing Of Composites
Tensile test, Compressive test, and Impact test will be conducted on produced composites.
5. Results Analysis and Discussion
The last step will be the evaluation of the obtained results.
Benefits of the ProjectThese textile reinforced composites will have the following advantages over several metals like steel and aluminum. These advantages include:
- High strength to weight ratio.
- Cost-effective.
- Ease of manufacturing.
Depending upon the test results, these composites can be used in:
- Bicycle seat posts and handlebars.
- Tennis rackets.
- Clutch Plates.
- Helmets.
- Side mirror bodies.
- Baseball bats.
1. Yarn Count
- 5 Ne, 2 ply Polyester yarn.
- 5 Ne, 2 ply cotton yarn.
2. Woven Fabric length
- 2m fabric of 1X1 Plain Weave for each yarn.
- 2m fabric of 3x1 Twill Weave for each yarn.
- 2m fabric of 5 End Satin Weave for each yarn.
- 2m fabric of Double-layered weave, 3x1+1x3+1x1 for each yarn.
3. Crimp Percentage calculation
- Plain weave= 11.25%
- Double layered weave= 9%
- Twill weave= 8%
- Satin weave= 7%
4. Composite Testing (pending)
- Tensile Test: 5 specimens from each weave. Each specimen will have dimensions of 9.843x1 inch.
- Compressive Test: 5 Specimens from each weave. Each specimen will have dimensions of 6x1 inch.
- Impact Test: 5 Specimen from each weave. Each specimen will have dimensions of 6x1 inch.
| Item Name | Type | No. of Units | Per Unit Cost (in Rs) | Total (in Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total in (Rs) | 66000 | |||
| Polyester yarn. | Equipment | 6 | 900 | 5400 |
| Cotton Yarn. | Equipment | 6 | 700 | 4200 |
| Punch Card | Equipment | 4 | 500 | 2000 |
| Resin | Equipment | 6 | 2000 | 12000 |
| Hardener | Equipment | 4 | 1500 | 6000 |
| Glass | Equipment | 1 | 2000 | 2000 |
| wax | Equipment | 1 | 1500 | 1500 |
| Peel ply | Equipment | 8 | 500 | 4000 |
| Mesh | Equipment | 8 | 400 | 3200 |
| Vacuum Sheets | Equipment | 8 | 500 | 4000 |
| Sealing tape | Equipment | 2 | 700 | 1400 |
| Inlets and outlets | Equipment | 16 | 400 | 6400 |
| Tubes | Equipment | 20 | 200 | 4000 |
| Testing | Miscellaneous | 3 | 3300 | 9900 |