Multifunctional weft-knitted flexible composite structures

Multifunctional composite structures offer unique features such as the ability to sense and respond to external stimuli that can be force, pressure or temperature. Knitted preforms are popular due their excellent properties like flexibility and impact resistance. So far, most of the research is focused on mechanical properties of rigid knitted composites structures. In this research, a preform for a composite is produced having a knitted functional sensing layer constructed using stainless steel yarn. The flexible knitted composite is developed by treating the knitted preform with a flexible resin via vacuum infusion process. The characteristics of the functional layer are investigated at the preform stage by carrying out tensile and cyclic tests. The results from these experiments show that the design of the knitted sensing preform has a substantial effect on the sensor sensitivity under different extension regions.