Fabrics are the most complicated of the materials discussed here
because the weave of the fabric stresses the fibers in different ways and sophisticated
analysis is required to determine the stresses. In order to simplify the way
fabrics are analyzed we are only going to consider individual fibers. If the
tension in a single fiber due to a specified loading can be determined, then
a fabric can be selected to meet the fiber design strength. Therefore this section
is going to focus on fibers and their properties. However, for an even easier
and more practical approach, design to failure stresses found from manufacturers'
working load data and use appropriate factors of safety.
Table F1 - Common Fibers and their Applications |
||
Fiber |
Resistant to |
Application |
Natural |
||
| Cotton | Age, heat, washing, wear solvents, alkalies, insects | Almost all textile uses |
| Jute | Sacking, bale wrapping, curtains, bags | |
| Kenaf | Rope, twine, carpet, canvas, bags | |
| Hemp | Rope, sacking, canvas | |
| Henequen | Rope, twine, canvas, bags | |
| Ramie | Canvas | |
Manufactured (man-made or synthetic) |
||
| Polyacrylonitrile (acrylic) | Dilute acids and alkalies, solvents, insects, mildew, weather | Outdoor fabrics, carpets, knits, blankets |
| Polyamide | Alkalies, molds, solvents, moths | Tire cord, carpet, upholstery, apparel, belting, hose, tents |
| Polyester | Weak acids and alkalies, solvents, oils, mildew, moths | Apparel, curtains, rope, twine, sailcloth, belting, fiberfill |
| Polyethylene(olefin low density) | Alkalies, acids (except nitric), insects, mildew | Outdoor fabrics, filter fabrics |
| Polyethylene(olefin high density) | Alkalies, acids (except nitric), insects, mildew | Rope, twine, fishnets |
| Polypropylene (olefin) | Alkalies, acids, insects, mildew | Rope, twine, outdoor fabrics, carpets, upholstery |
| Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) | Acids, alkalies, insects, mildew, oils | Wide range of industrial and apparel uses, rope, work clothes, fish nets |
| Polyvinylidene chloride | Acids, most alkalies, alcohol, insects, mildew, weather | Outdoor fabrics, insect screens, curtains, upholstery, carpet, work clothes |
Compiled from several sources including the CRC Handbook
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