Influence of 3D warp interlock fabrics parameters made with flax rovings on their final mechanical behaviour

The three-dimensional weaving process enables to produce near-net shaped complex preforms used as reinforcement of composite materials. However, the lack of knowledge on the mechanical behaviour of these three-dimensional woven structures may restrict their use for composite material. To fill this gap, we have tempted to highlight their specific mechanical properties according to their endogenous parameters. Based on these different architectures produced on the same weaving loom, several non-impregnated coupons have been mechanically characterized in all the directions of the three-dimensional warp interlock fabrics with quasi-static tensile tests in warp and weft directions as well as in-plane shear tests. According to our analyses, it has been revealed that the combination of several parameters as the woven pattern, the end and pick densities and the presence or not of stuffer warp yarns inside the three-dimensional fabrics may significantly influence the mechanical behaviour of the three-dimensional warp interlock architectures.