The influence of the stitching pattern on the internal geometry, quasi-static and fatigue mechanical properties of glass fibre non-crimp fabric composites

This paper discusses the experimental results of a study comparing several aspects of the mechanical behaviour of two quasi-unidirectional non-crimp fabric composites based on non-crimp fabrics that differ only in stitching pattern. A NEW stitching pattern was compared to an industry common type (ICT). The properties studied include fabric and laminate thickness, fibre volume fraction, static tensile modulus and strength in longitudinal and transverse direction, high-speed tensile strength and tension–tension fatigue life. Statistically significant differences were observed for fabric and composite thickness, which was found to be higher for the ICT type composite. A higher fibre volume fraction was observed for the NEW stitching pattern material, as well as a higher longitudinal tensile strength at high and low speeds and a slightly higher fatigue life.