The quasi-static puncture resistance of flexible impregnated nonwovens made by filament or staple polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers

Purpose This paper aims to design a composite, aiming to improve the static puncture resistance through polyurethane impregnated treatment with five concentration gradients. Design/methodology/approach The relationship between polyurethane concentration, the number of polyester nonwovens, component fiber type (filament or staple) and the static puncture resistance is explored respectively and elaborately. Findings This study provides a new perspective to design flexible composites with better static puncture resistance, feasible preparation process as well as low cost. Originality/value The results show that the static puncture resistance of nonwovens impregnated by polyurethane is improved obviously. Meanwhile the puncture strength-T of nonwovens increases first and then decreases with the increase of the number of layers, and the maximum puncture strength-T is found at 20 layers. Moreover, the composite with filaments illustrates better mechanical resistance.