| Abstract [eng] |
In this master’s final degree project 16 different 3D weft-knitted fabrics were evaluated. 3D fabrics were knitted on a circular weft-knitting machines of two different gauges: 20E gauge and 28E gauge. Four different raw materials were used for the production of fabrics: high molecular mass polyethylene (HPPE) multifilament yarn and steel wire in the outer layers (for the front and reverse), polyester spun yarn for the reverse and elastic polyamide yarn in the binding layer. According to the standard EN 388:2003 “Protective gloves against mechanical risks” circular blade cut, puncture and abrasion resistance tests were carried out on the 3D weft-knitted fabrics. These experiments were conducted to determine the level of performance of investigated materials to mechanical risks and to identify how the index of resistance of the investigated materials varies when changing their composition and structural parameters, such as stitch density, the quantity of steel wire and so on. According to the standard LST EN ISO ISO 9234:2007 “Textiles. Determination of permeability of fabrics to air” air permeability test was carried out on the 3D weft-knitted fabrics for assessing comfort properties. It was defined, that 3D weft-knitted fabrics best results on tests: circular blade cut and abrasion resistant were achieved using HPPE yarn twisted with steel wire, higher mass per unit area with more significant amount of steel wire. 3 of the 16 investigated 3D weft-knitted fabrics had the highest 5th blade cut and the highest (4th) abrasion resistance performance level. 15 of the 16 of 3D weft-knitted fabrics had the highest (4th) level of puncture resistance. It was defined that the specific force has negative correlation with the percentage of steel wire and density. 3D fabrics knitted on a circular weft-knitting machine of gauge 28E due to a higher stitch density, higher mass per unit area, density and fabric’s thickness ensure 1.3 ÷ 2.1 times greater blade cut and 1.9 ÷ 12.1 times greater abrasion resistance result, than fabrics knitted on gauge 20E, using the same raw materials. 3D fabrics knitted on a circular weft-knitting machine of gauge 20E due to lower stitch density, mass per unit area and density ensure better air permeability than fabrics knitted on a 28E gauge knitting machine. For high cut, abrasion and puncture resistance properties, HPPE twisted with steel wire can be recommended to use for the apparel garments – protective vests, aprons, gloves. |
