Plant-based biomimetic branching structures in knitted fabrics for improved comfort-related properties

Qing Chen, Jin tu Fan, Manas Kumar Sarkar, Kausik Bal

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The use of plant-based biomimetic branching structures in textiles can enhance their water absorption and one-way transport properties. In this study, double-layered knitted structures were developed in which two or more yarns were combined at the technical back of the fabric and separated at the technical face to emulate plant-like branching networks. Fabrics with these novel knitted structures were produced on a circular knitting machine. The water absorption and transport properties of these fabrics were measured and it was showed that plant-based knitted structures with two or more branching networks had faster water absorption and better moisture management properties than the conventional structure knitted fabrics. Other comfort-related properties, such as air resistance, were also better for the newly developed fabrics. These novel knitted fabrics should therefore have potential advantages and benefits in terms of the comfort of sportswear and functional clothing.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1039-1048
Number of pages10
JournalTextile Research Journal
Volume81
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2011

Keywords

  • biomimetics
  • branching structure
  • comfort
  • knitted fabric
  • liquid transport
  • plant-based structure
  • water absorption

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Chemical Engineering (miscellaneous)
  • Polymers and Plastics

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