Work

Influence of Connective Architectures of Inlaid Weft-Knitted Spacer Fabric on Compression, Impact Force Absorption, and Vibration Isolation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Spacer fabrics are a breathable material option for wearable cushioning, but the cushioning performance is still not comparable to that of traditional elastomeric cushioning materials. The polymer-based connective structure of spacer fabrics largely affects fabric properties, compression, and mechanical performance, and this is a research gap that calls for the development of spacer fabrics with enhanced cushioning functions. This study develops a new square-wave inlay pattern and investigates the effects of the inlay structure and spatial frequency of the spacer course, as well as the effects of the silicone inlay on compression, impact force absorption, and vibration isolation of the spacer fabric. Twelve samples are designed and evaluated. The results show that the square-wave inlaid spacer fabric has higher energy absorption during compression. The square-wave pattern with a shorter transition distance between the front and back tuck stitches could increase the inclination angle close to a right angle, and extra tuck stitches on the surface float could secure the square-wave structure to enhance the impact force absorption ability. The increment in the spatial frequency of spacer courses provides a less stiff fabric with lower impact force absorption but higher vibration isolation ability. This study shows the innovative development of spacer fabric for enhancing cushioning properties.

Source: Polymers

DOI: 10.3390/polym18020151

Authors: Shu-Ning Yan, Yi-Lei Wang, Annie Yu

Institutions: Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kyoto Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Textile materials and evaluations

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258

Funder: Hong Kong Polytechnic University