On the mechanical response of 2D plain woven and 3D angle-interlock fabrics

The present study compared the tensile and low velocity impact (LVI) response of Kevlar/basalt fabrics. Homogeneous and hybrid fabrics with structures of two dimensional plain woven (2D-P) and three dimensional angle-interlock (3D-A) were woven with Kevlar and basalt yarns. Interlacing of brittle basalt yarns with high-ductility/high-toughness Kevlar yarns enhanced the tensile strength of 2D-P fabrics by 5.39-50.29% and 3D-A fabrics by 14.80%. Similarly hybridization enhanced the energy absorption of 2D-P fabrics by 8.58-37.71% and 3D-A fabrics by 13.45-20.14%. Change in the architecture from 2D-P to 3D-A also enhanced the tensile and impact resistance of fabrics. Different failure modes induced due to tensile and LVI loads were identified.