Hyojeong Lee  Ran-i Eom  Yejin Lee

Vol. 54,  No. 4, pp. 292-299, Aug.  2017
10.12772/TSE.2017.54.292

3D spacer fabric functional clothing Thermal insulation Air permeability Tensile strength Elongation 3D modeling

PDF

In this study, the physical properties of commercially available 3D spacer fabrics are analyzed, and their applicability to functional apparel is investigated. Six samples were prepared by purchasing four types of 3D spacer fabric with different thicknesses and surface structures (A1, B1, C1, and D1). Moreover, A2 and B2 are produced by two layers of A1 and B1, respectively, and their applicability to functional apparel was examined through the evaluation of the tensile strength, elongation, air permeability, Q-max, and thermal insulation. In addition, based on these, 3D spacer fabric modeling for 3D printing was attempted. It was observed that the tensile strength was higher in the wale direction than in the course direction, and it increased with increasing thickness. The elongation was the highest in C1, with large surface holes and low density. The air permeability was also the highest in C1, with large holes and relatively high thickness. It was observed that the air permeability of A1 and B1 significantly decreased when they were two layered fabrics. With regard to the Q-max, C1 and D1, which were thick samples, exhibited high warm feeling, while A1 and B1, which were thin samples, exhibited high cold touch. Finally, the thermal insulation was the highest in D1, which was the thickest sample, demonstrating a positive correlation with thickness and volume. As a result, considering the advantageous properties of each sample and the related specific performance required for functional apparel obtained from the above results, it was confirmed that the 3D spacer fabric could be applied to functional apparel.