Role of stuffer layers and fibre volume fractions on the mechanical properties of 3D woven fabrics for structural composites applications

Using weaving technology, possible manipulations can be done so as to derive maximum advantage from the reinforcements towards desired mechanical properties of the composites. Thus with different sets of weaving parameters and tow linear densities, an attempt has been made to investigate tensile, impact and knife penetration performance of different stuffer layers and fibre volume fractions of 3D orthogonal and interlock E-glass fabrics as reinforcements for composite applications. The tensile properties were effectively influenced by warp tow crimp%, number of stuffer tows per unit width of the fabric and fabric assistance. The tow linear density, fabric sett and the number of cross over points play a determining role towards impact energy absorption capacity. The fabric sett along with tow linear densities also play a vital role towards peak energy during knife penetration test. The number of cross over points were found to be least important in the knife penetration results analysis.