Deformation behaviour of advanced textile composites with auxetic structure

Abstract The advanced composites – laminates, composed of auxetic and non-auxetic layers, were developed and subjected to tensile loading tests to characterize their deformation behaviour. The two-layer laminates were composed of the polymer foam with auxetic cellular structure and the conventional knitted fabric bonded together by the rubber-based adhesive, based on polymer binder, resins, additives and flammable organic solvents. All base materials, structured foams and laminates were tested. The influence of the adhesive on mechanical properties of the knitted fabric was also evaluated. The results of the study show that the cheaply fabricated laminates of knitted fabric reinforced by structured Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam offer stiffness enhancement and decrease of the Poisson's ratio of the conventional fabric. The laminates also limit fabric warping during the deformation, thus increasing its stiffness. This behaviour can be beneficial in many applications in the textile industry by enhancing properties in durability, comfort and support.