Effect of fabric structural parameters and weaving conditions to warp tension of aramid fabrics for protective garments

This study examined the weavability of technical fabrics according to the weave density coefficient (WDC) and loom settings, such as the weaving speed, front shedding angle, and fabric take-up speed using an aramid filament on a Dornier rapier loom (PTS 2/SC, Germany). For this purpose, the warp tension and its variations were measured, and are discussed in terms of the WDC and loom settings according to the measured time during weaving. Regression analysis of the effects of the WDC and loom settings on the measured warp tension was carried out. The measured mean warp tension increased with increasing yarn linear density and increased with increasing WDC. The measured mean warp tension in the twill fabric was higher than that of the plain fabric despite having the same WDC. The measured mean warp tension increased with an increasing shedding angle due to an increase in shedding height. The measured mean warp tension increased with increasing take-up speed. The measured warp tension variation according to the time during weaving ranged from 5 cN/thread to 13 cN/thread, irrespective of the yarn number, weave pattern, fabric density, and weaving conditions. Regression analysis revealed the shedding angle and WDC to be the most important factors affecting the measured warp tension, but the weaving speed also affects the warp tension at a high fabric cover factor.