NEW HYBRID TETRAXIAL FABRICS

Using a specially devised loom, an innovative tetraxial woven fabric was produced. The fabric can be considered as a combination of a traditional orthogonal fabric with two additional threads (bias), which can be oriented at different angles with respect to the warp directions. The additional threads could be used to improve performances both for applications where the fabric can be employed on its own or as reinforcement. Moreover, they could also be used to convey new properties or functions to the fabric, such as modifying the aesthetic appearance, improve antibacterial capabilities or provide weldability. An extensive experimental investigation has been conducted to measure some mechanical properties of tetraxial fabrics made by fibres of different materials. Uniaxial and biaxial tensile loading, as well as bending, gave an understanding on the advantages of the fabric architecture and on the possible improvements of the manufacturing.