Influence of Weave and Weft Characteristics on Tensile Properties of Fabrics

The breaking strength and elongation at break of a fabric firstly depend on the breaking strength and elongation at break in the testing direction of the used yarn. In our research not only the influence of the weft characteristics and weave on the breaking strength and elongation of woven fabrics was analysed, but also a particular study was devoted to the influence of threads, which were perpendicular to the testing direction. In the first part of our research, the breaking force and elongation of threads at different clamping lengths and extension rates before and after the weaving process were measured. In the second part ,the breaking force and elongation at break and stress-strain curves of woven fabrics were analysed. In order to examine the influence of the weft, fabrics of plain weave with different characteristics of the weft were prepared. Furthermore, different weaves were designed: one group with single weft threads and another with doubled (twisted) weft threads. The results of measurements of the yarn showed only a minimal influence of measuring conditions, but according to the expectations, the important influence of the weaving process on the tensile properties of yarns was also noted. The results of the measurements of the fabric highlighted that not only the raw material, but also the mechanical properties of the perpendicular thread system influence the tensile properties of fabrics in the direction analysed. In comparison with single threads, the use of doubled threads in the weft caused a general improvement in the breaking force and elongation at break by stretching tests in the warp direction.