Strength of Kevlar Narrow Fabrics as Influenced by Folding and Compression in the Presence of Moisture

摘要

The tensile strength of dry Kevlar narrow fabrics was investigated as a function of moisture present during folding and compression. Fabric samples were exposed to 96% relative humidity, or soaked in water prior to compression; or moisture was introduced while the samples were compressed. The fabrics exhibited a 10 to 30% tensile strength loss after wet compression relative to data for samples compressed dry. Similar tests on nylon did not show this effect. Warp yarns removed from fabrics compressed with moisture present exhibited nominally the same strength as those obtained from fabrics compressed dry or from uncompressed fabrics. These results are consistent with test data from a parachute that had been exposed to moisture and with packing difficulties encountered under high humidity environments. (ERA citation 11:051366)