Comparative Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Yarns with Superelastic Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) Wires Embedded

Fabrics made of natural fibers like cotton, flax, and their blends present elevated wearing comfort, but they are unfortunately subject to creasing. Attempts made to improve the wrinkle recovery of flax fabrics by embedding shape memory alloy (SMA) wires in a woven structure highlighted the low cohesion of the smooth wires and the overall "non-textile" aspect of the fabric. This study aimed to overcome these disadvantages by developing hybrid yarns that contain a superelastic SMA wire - Smartflex as a core, covered by textile yarns or fibers. Three types of hybrid yarns were produced, and their structure, aesthetics as well as tensile and bending properties were assessed and compared. The hybrid yarns were embedded in a woven structure, and it was found that they significantly contributed to the increase in the crease recover angle of the flax fabrics.