Exploring use of warp-knitted spacer fabric as a substitute for the absorbent layer for advanced wound dressing

Wound management has become more sophisticated as modern wound dressings now focus more on providing an optimal microclimate for wound healing. As a novel three-dimensional textile material, warp-knitted spacer fabrics are versatile enough to meet special requirements when their parameters are changed. This paper reports on an experimental study on the required physical properties of warp-knitted spacer fabrics that can be developed as an absorbent layer for advanced wound dressing. Three types of wound dressings available on the market have been chosen that are especially used for burns and ulcers, as they are designed to provide good absorbing of extrudes and a cushioning effect. The physical properties of spacer fabrics, including air permeability, thermal conductivity, water vapor permeability, absorbency and compression, are evaluated and compared with those of existing wound dressings. The results show that the air and water vapor permeabilities and the thermal conductivity of warp-knitted spacer fabrics are competitive enough to prove that spacer fabrics can also provide a good ventilated environment for wound healing. Their good compressional resistance and compressional resilience indicate that warp-knitted spacer fabrics can provide good protection as wound dressings. Although their absorbency is only somewhat better than some of the wound dressings, they are also good for wounds with no heavy extrudes.