Mechanical Properties of Glass/PET Composites Produced from Weft Knitted Textile Preforms - Influence of Fibre Treatment

Abstract

The influence of PET fibre treatment (sizing) on mechanical properties of glass/PET weft knitted composites has been investigated. Weft knitted hybrid structures from glass and PET yarns were produced on a flat bed weft knitting machine by simultaneously introducing glass and PET yarns. The hybrid knits contained standard PET fiber and PET fibre that did not undergo drawing and sizing treatment. As a consequence of improved fibre/ matrix adhesion, composite from undrawn and unsized PET fibre proved to have increased mechanical properties. The investigations of the influence of glass fibre sizing on glass/PET weft knitted composites proved difference in mechanical properties as a result of glass fibre sizing quality.