A stochastic overlap network model of electrical properties for conductive weft yarn composites and their experimental study

Abstract Conductive weft yarn composites were developed and studied by both computational and experimental methods. A simulation based on a stochastic overlap network model (SONM) was developed in MATLAB to predict the through-thickness electrical conductivity (TTEC) for conductive weft yarn composites. Conductive weft yarn composites based on Inter-Woven Wire Fabric (IWWF) were manufactured and investigated. The results confirm that the technique can be used to increase the TTEC in a controlled manner by forming a continuous electrically conductive network with a comparatively low volume fraction of conductors. The TTEC of typical cross-ply conductive weft yarn composites reached 446 S/m, which is three orders of magnitude times higher than the control laminate. The simulated data are consistent with the experimental results, offering good scope for predictive design work.