Mechanical properties of flexible composites reinforced with high-performance glass fiber multi-axial warp-knitted fabrics

This paper investigates the quasi-static mechanical properties and damage behavior of flexible composites prepared from high-performance glass fiber-based multi-axial warp knitted fabrics as reinforcement and high tenacity environmentally friendly thermoplastic polyurethane as a matrix. The composites were produced by attaching thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to the top and bottom of the fabric using a vulcanization machine, followed by hot-pressing for different temperatures and time settings. Moreover, the effects of different preparation processes on the tensile strength, static puncture resistance, and tear strength of flexible composites were investigated in this paper. The results indicated that both hot-pressing temperature and vulcanization time had a significant impact on the mechanical properties of the composites. With an optimum vulcanization temperature of 185°C and a vulcanization time of 10 min, the composite provides optimum tensile strength and puncture resistance. Tear strength is the worst and is related to the reinforcement’s organisational structure and the interfacial bond’s strength. The results of this study are of theoretical and practical significance for applying high-performance multi-axial warp-knitted flexible composites as raw materials in the construction field.