Journal of Textile Science & Engineering

Development of High-performance Single Layer Weft Knitted Structures for Cut and Puncture Protection

Abstract

Fangueiro R, Carvalho R, Silveira D, Ferreira N, Ferreira C, Monteiro F and Sampaio S

The number of violent situations against security agents using cut and puncture elements, like knives and needles, are increasing daily all over the world. There is a real need for the development of flexible materials able to protect these security professionals without compromising their comfort in different working conditions. The aim of this study is to develop single-layer weft knitted fabrics for cut and puncture protection to be used as protective clothing. Three different weft knitted structures were selected (single jersey, crepe, and moss tuck stitch) in order to study the effect of the yarn arrangement on cut and puncture performance. Different knitted fabrics have been produced with different materials including ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, para-aramid, high tenacity polyester, high tenacity polypropylene and high tenacity polyamide. In order to study the performance of each structure in combination with the different materials, samples were tested according to EN 388. It was proved that due to the tuck stitches, crepe and moss structures improved cut and puncture performances in comparison with jersey structures. The conical puncture resistance was mainly attributed to the structure (high friction between the yarns and within the yarns due to the dense structure), the knife puncture resistance was mainly attributed to the strength of the yarns, and the cut resistance was mainly attributed to the structure (stretching and thickness) and to the mechanical properties of the yarns. Based on the experimental results and according to EN 388 test classification, moss tuck stitch structure produced with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene presents the highest cut resistance, classified as level 5, and the highest conical puncture resistance, level 4. Crepe structure produced with para-aramid presents the highest knife puncture resistance. It is suggested the use of single layer moss tuck stitch fabric produced with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene as protective clothing.