STUDIES ON TENSILE PROPERTIES OF FABRICS MADE OF JUTE, POLYETHYLNE AND COTTON

Aranya Ghosh, Debjyoti Ganguly, Sanjukta Paul and Dr. Asis Mukherjee
Institute Of Jute Technology, Kolkata

Main object of the present work is to study the tensile behaviour of three kinds of fabrics namely jute (two types), poly-ethylene and cotton. The tensile properties of constituent warp and weft yarn for jute and poly-ethylene fabrics are also studied with the intension to find the relation of yarn strength in fabrics which has already been studied in case of cotton fabric. Realisation of yarn strength depends on the irregularity of yarn extension and the binding effect of the crossing threads. The relation between grab strength and strip strength of four type fabrics is determined statistically by means of linear regression equation; reinforcing effect of the side portion of the fabric specimen in grab testing is also studied. Introduction In the field of fabric testing, tensile strength has been accepted as one of the most important parameter for woven textiles. Tensile strength of a fabric mainly depends on the properties of yarn or fibre and the way in which they are assembled or oriented. In this respect, strength and extension of the constituent fibres and yarns are important properties which affect the strength value of fabric. There are mainly two kinds of tensile strength tests performed for woven fabrics, i.e. grab and ravelled strip test. In the present work three types of fabrics, namely, jute, poly-ethylene and cotton have been used. The first two types of fabrics are extensively used in packaging where the knowledge of tensile property is very important. A filled-in bag is subjected to different type of loads during stacking and transportation. In go-down jute bags are stacked up to 25 to 30 layers and therefore the bags are subjected to high pressure. This pressure causes development in stress in the filled-in material as well as the bag material i.e. the fabric. During transportation the bags are sometimes dropped from a certain height, which leads to development of impact loading on the bag material. So the tensile strength and extension of jute or polyethylene fabrics used in the manufacturing of bag is very important. Nowadays jute as well as poly-ethylene fabrics are used in geo-textiles application. For geotextiles, the tensile strength is also an important mechanical property. Adequate tensile strength is necessary for all types of geo-textile functions and installations. In general maximum tensile stress, both strip and grab, elongation at break and modulus values is reported from tensile tests.

The tensile behaviour of cotton fabric has been studied by different workers. In this work the tensile properties of cotton fabric are studied in order to understand the tensile properties of jute and polyethylene fabrics because reported literature of these fabrics is very few. Many studies have done in the field of tensile strength testing of fabric. There are many factors which affect the tensile strength of fabric. Some of important attempts by several researchers have been mentioned here. Peirce (1) studied the effect of gauge length on the strength of textile materials and had shown that the strength of textile fibres or yarns decreased with the increase in the gauge length. Textile materials are basically irregular in nature due to which the probability of occurrence of weak places increases with the increase in the gauge length. This effect is known as Weak Link effect. Peirce (2) also studied the dependence of the coefficient of variation of single thread breaking extension on the ratio of band strength per thread to average single thread strength. Taylor (3) discussed the importance of crossing threads in the cloth. Shorter (4) pointed out the reason behind being less strength utilise by a cotton yarn than integral strength of component fibres in the cross section. He claimed that, obliquity of the fibres to yarn axis; fibre slippage and non simultaneity of fibre breakage are the main reasons behind this phenomenon. Shanahan et all(5) mentioned that in strictly two dimensional materials, like membranes, fabric, etc, the forces per unit length can be considered stress, although in the strict sense stress should obtain by dividing the force per unit length by the material thickness. In the present analysis the force per unit length is now termed as stress. Booth (6) stated that in grab testing the stressed zone of fabric between the jaws will be reinforced by the fabric on the either side. It is highly desirable to establish a relationship between test results of grab test and strip test of the same specimen. The attempt had been taken by Eeg-olofsson and Bernkiold (7). However the approaches were based on empirical formula. Ning Pan (8), on the basis of a theoretical model established a relation between Grab and strip. In this model he stated that a grab specimen basically divided into two portions, the gripped part held by machine grip and the ungripped parts on each side of a grip. Both of these portions have individual effect to the final result of the tensile load on the fabric. Jianhua Wu and Ning Pan (9) attempted to verify the predictions of Pans model through experimental work. Materials &methods:

In this present work mainly four types of fabrics are selected constituting of two jute fabrics, one polyethylene fabric and one cotton fabric. In Zwick Roell Z010 tensile tester these four types of fabrics are tested by following procedures1.0 Tensile testing of yarn: Yarns in warp way and weft way (50 samples in each direction) are tested with a gauge length and test speed of 200 mm and 300mm/min respectively. 2.0 Tensile testing of yarn band: 10 samples of dimension crossing threads in  are tested both in warp and weft directions. After that the length of the specimen are removed to the band of longitudinal threads. .  and 300

These strips of yarn band are tested using strip testing grip, with a gauge length of mm/min. 3.0 Tensile testing of fabric: 3.1 Strip test: For strip test 10 samples of dimension

are prepared each warp and weft directions.

According to thread density yarns are ravelled from both sides of the specimen and the tensile testing is done with a gauge length of 200mm. 3.2 Grab test: In this case 10 samples of dimension and tested using grab testing jaws with a gauge length of 3.3 Modified grab test: Samples of dimension are prepared in each direction (warp & weft way).A 50.8mm are prepared both in warp and weft directions

width template is placed on both edges of the fabric sample and marked to obtain 25.4mm width at the middle portion. A lateral slits is made to the specimen and tested in the specimen. 3.4 Strip test in grab mode: At first the samples are prepared same as standard grab test. Then a 50.8mm width template is placed on both edges of fabric sample and marked to obtain one inch portion at the middle portion. Yarns at the two

sides are removed leaving the middle 25.4mm portion of the fabric sample. These strips are then tested using grab testing grips with a gauge length and testing speed of 75 mm and 300 mm/min respectively. Result & discussion Table 1: Fabric particulars Jute fabric (sample-1) Particulars Warp (ends/dm) 47 2.56 223.42 0.254 Weft (picks/dm) 70 4.6 330.53 0.461 0.764 Jute fabric (sample-2) Warp (ends/dm) 46 5.9 297 0.287 Weft (Picks/dm) 45 3.1 336 0.299 0.914 Polyethylene fabric (sample-3) Warp (ends/dm) 38 92.66 * Weft (picks/dm) 40 92.66 * 0.287 Cotton fabric (sample-4) Warp (ends/dm) 430 2.75 13.73 0.59 0.20 Weft (picks/dm) 320 16.375 15.14 0.46

Thread density Crimp (%) Count(tex) Fractional cover Thickness(mm)

Fabric weight 371.22 305.25 107.50 109.87 (g/m2 ) (*The formula which is used to determine fractional cover is only applicable for circular threads. In case of poly-ethylene fabric tape is used instead of yarn. So the conventional formula cannot be used.)

Table 2: Tensile properties of the single yarn Sample number Sample-1 Sample-2 Sample-3 Warp Breaking load (N) 23.05 (27.17) 32.59 (23.23) 42.83 (13.27) Tenacity (cN/tex) 10.3 10.97 46.2 Breaking extension (%) 2.20 (21.18 2.39 (20.97) 28.04 (17.39) weft Breaking load(N) 33.63 (19.42) 37.10 (28.61) * Tenacity (cN/tex) 10.1 10 * Breaking extension (%) 3.45 (14.19) 2.42 (19.30) *

(Figures in the parenthesis show CV% value.) (*In case of sample-3 filaments in warp and weft are same.) Table 3: Tensile properties of the yarn band

warp Sample number Breaking load(N) Breaking Extension (%) Ratio of band strength per thread to average single thread strength 0.69

weft Breaking load (N) Breaking extension (%) Ratio of band strength per thread to average single thread strength 0.58 0.68 0.71

Sample-1

750.34 4.48 (10.69) (9.69) Sample-2 1095.29 4.75 0.45 (7.99) (5.75) Sample-3 1183.79 18.38 0.72 (8.47) (13.82) (Figures in the parenthesis show CV% value.)

1376.95 (7.14) 1135.62 (13.88) 1164.86 (5.80)

7.30 (8.32) 3.63 (15.10) 15.07 (6.20)

Table 4: Tensile properties of the different fabric samples Warp Sample number Breaking load (N) 441.80 (8.93) 558.26 (6.71) 797.54 (6.40) Stress (kN/m) 8.83 11.17 15.95 Breaking extension (%) 3.44 (9.41) 4.88 (4.79) 20.25 (8.07) weft Breaking load (N) 878.91 (18.02) 662.06 (7.02) 921.36 (2.67) 350.80 (4.94) Stress (kN/m) 17.57 13.24 18.43 7.02 Breaking extension (%) 7.40 (6.15) 3.45 (5.01) 20.66 (3.83) 19.59 (7.42)

Sample-1 Sample-2 Sample-3 Sample-4

447.61 8.95 8.07 (5.04) (6.10) (Figures in the parenthesis show CV% value.)

Table 5: Sample number Sample-1 Sample-2 Sample-3

warp 1.17 1.01 1.34

weft 1.27 1.16 1.58 0.81 0.74 0.98

warp 0.74 0.79 1.07

weft

Table 6: Effect of Gauge Length on the tensile properties of fabric sample-1 warp Gauge length (cm) 5 10 20 Breaking load (N) 1237.09 (10.7) 1026.10 (9.74) 973.04 (10.48) Stress (kN/m) 12.37 10.26 9.73 Breaking extension (%) 6.28 (12.48) 5.85 (19.55) 4.22 (9.20) weft Breaking load (N) 2117.46 (9.74) 1939.74 (11.81) 1877.48 (6.70) Stress (kN/m) 21.17 19.39 18.77 Breaking extension (%) 13.14 (15.75) 9.31 (8.83) 7.46 (4.54)

(Figures in the parenthesis show CV% value.) Table 7: Effect of Specimen Width on the tensile properties of fabric sample-1 warp Fabric width (cm) 2.5 5 10 Breaking load (N) 244.08 (7.63) 441.80 (8.93) 973.04 (10.48) Stress (kN/m) 9.76 8.83 9.73 Breaking extension (%) 2.41 (11.53) 3.44 (9.41) 4.22 (9.20) weft Breaking load (N) 391.82 (9.29) 87.91 (18.02) 1877.48 (6.70) Stress (kN/m) 15.67 17.57 18.77 Breaking extension (%) 5.47 (7.34) 7.40 (6.15) 7.46 (4.54)

(Figures in the parenthesis show CV% value.) Table 8: Tensile properties of the fabric in Grab Test (G) Warp Sample number Breaking load (N) Fabric Stress (FG) (kN/m) 12.99 12.36 19.07 10.49 Breaking extension (%) 3.89 (11.96) 6.00 (6.39) 22.39 (2.32) 6.72 (4.42) Weft Breaking load (N) Fabric Stress (kN/m) 22.94 14.49 21.06 7.26 Breaking extension (%) 8.33 (9.06) 4.49 (6.28) 22.25 (4.52) 12.95 (6.49)

Sample-1 Sample-2 Sample-3 Sample-4

329.84 (10.85) 313.95 (26.53) 484.34 (4.63) 266.42 (3.13)

582.55 (10.90) 368.02 (15.79) 534.95 (2.49) 184.42 (13.77)

(Figures in the parenthesis show CV% value.)

Table 9: Tensile properties of the fabric in Modified Grab Test (MG) Warp Sample number Breaking load (N) Fabric Stress (FMG (kN/m) 12.01 13.03 Breaking extension (%) 4.00 (9.13) 5.44 (13.09) 23.11 (5.55) 5.46 (6.99) Weft Breaking load (N) Fabric Stress (kN/m) 22.42 13.23 16.69 4.66 Breaking extension (%) 8.61 (7.91) 4.83 (5.55) 21.97 (5.04) 10.6 (5.23)

Sample-1 Sample-2 Sample-3

305.08 (10.85) 331.07 (8.25)

569.51 (12.38) 335.94 (11.53) 423.95 (6.55) 118.45 (6.30)

405.77 15.98 (3.05) Sample-4 176.50 6.95 (5.27) (Figures in the parenthesis show CV% value.)

Table 10: Tensile properties of the fabric in Strip Testing in Grab mode (SG) Warp Sample number Breaking load (N) Fabric Stress (FSG ) (kN/m) 10.89 16.39 13.88 9.81 Breaking extension (%) 3.74 (4.26) 6.28 (3.71) 19.86 (4.76) 6.80 (2.64) Weft Breaking load (N) Fabric Stress (kN/m) 21.82 10.07 17.07 7.08 Breaking extension (%) 8.40 (6.15) 4.73 (15.20) 21.19 (9.68) 12.67 (4.99)

Sample-1 Sample-2 Sample-3 Sample-4

276.52 (9.65) 416.39 (13.09) 52.52 (7.49) 249.12 (2.00)

554.35 (7.24) 271.67 (29.09) 432.55 (5.07) 179.87 (7.44)

(Figures in the parenthesis show CV% value.) Table11: Reinforcement effect of different fabric samples Warp Sample number Sample-1 Sample-2 Sample-3 Sample-4 FG /FMG 1.08 0.94 1.19 1.50 FG /FSG 1.19 0.77 1.37 1.06 Weft FG /FMG 1.02 1.09 1.26 1.55 FG /FSG 1.05 1.35 1.23 1.02

Tensile test results of yarn and yarn band: In table-1 the fabric particulars of different sample fabrics have been determined. Table2 shows that the tensile properties of single yarn of different fabric samples. From Table2 it is clear that the sample-3 (poly-ethylene) shows grater extension and tenacity than the natural jute fabric. Here single yarns of sample-4 (cotton) are not tested because the relation of single yarn strength in band has already been referred by Peirce (2). He had discussed the effect of coefficient of variation of single thread breaking extension on a band of threads and predicts the realisation of yarn strength in the band of yarn. In Table3 the tensile properties of yarn band have been shown. If Table2 and Table3 are compared, it is clear that the ratio of band strength per thread to average single thread strength is less than unity which means single yarn strength in yarn band is less than the strength of the single yarn . This is due

to the variability of the breaking extension of individual threads. So the irregularity of breaking extension is the main reason for reduction in single yarn strength in the band. Taylor (3) termed this as the Irregularity Factor. The Table4 shows tensile properties of fabric samples. From this table it is clear that poly ethylene fabric shows higher tenacity and breaking extension than the natural jute and cotton fabric. Extensibility of jute fabric is lowest among the tested samples. Table -5 shows that the comparison values between single yarn strength thread , and fabric strength per thread , yarn band strength per

. In table-3 the ratio of band strength per thread to average

single thread strength is determined. It is less than one due to irregularity of breaking extension of individual threads. From table-5 it is clear that due to insertion of crossing threads the single yarn strength utilisation in case of fabric increases to some extent but it can not reach beyond unity. Taylor (3) may be defined this assistance of crossing threads as Binding Factor. The crossing threads guard the weak places of the longitudinal threads. Effect of gauge length and width on tensile properties of fabric: Table6 and figure-1 shows that the fabric stress decreases with increases in gauge length. Peirce (1) had discussed the effect of gauge length on tensile behaviour of fibres and yarns. The effect is known as Weak Link Effect. In case of fabric the same principle can be applied. As gauge length increases the occurrences of weak points also increases. During testing of fabric the yarn has weakest point and least

extension, at first breaks. As result of which the remaining yarns carry the total applied load which is high enough. As a result of which all the yarns break down and ultimate fabric strength decreases.
Stress
12.37 10.26 9.73 21.5 21 20.5 20 19.5 19 18.5 18 17.5 21.17

Stress
14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 5 10 20

19.39 18.77

10

20

Gauge length

Gauge length

(a)

(b)

Figure-1: The effect of gauge length on fabric stress. (a) Warp way (b) Weft way When load is applied during strip testing, the crimp in the direction of loading gradually reduces and crimp in the transverse threads increases. This phenomenon is known as crimp interchanging. As the specimen width increases (Table7 and figure-2) length of the crossing threads also increases, which provided better assistance to the longitudinal threads due to crimp can interchange at the time of stretching. Figure-2(a) shows that the effect of width on fabric stress is insignificant in case of warp. The crimp percentage and cover factors in the warp direction are generally lower which may be the reason of insignificant effect of width on fabric stress in the warp direction. Figure-2(b) indicates that the fabric stress in weft direction increases with corresponding increase in width.

Stress 10 9.8 9.6 9.4 9.2 9 8.8 8.6 8.4 8.2 9.76 9.73

Stress

8.83

20 19 18 17 16 15 14

18.77 17.57

15.67

2.5

5
Fabric Width

10

2.5

Fabric width

10

(a)

(b)

Figure -2: The effect of fabric width on fabric stress. (a)Warp way (b) Weft way Reinforcing effect in grab strength testing: Table8 shows that the standard grab test result of different fabric samples. By comparing Table8 and Table4, it is clear that the grab stress values (KN/m) are always greater than the strip stress values (KN/m). As stated by Pan (8) the grab specimen is basically divided in to two portions the gripped portion held by the machine gripper and the ungripped portion on each side of the grip. Both gripped and ungripped portions of the specimen take part to the overall tensile strength. Contribution of ungripped portion to tensile strength makes a difference in the ultimate results. Contribution of ungripped portion on fabric strength in case of grab test can be elaborately explained with the help of Table8, Table9, and Table10. Table9 shows, the tensile properties of modified grab test. The stress values are less than the standard grab test result. The slits formed both side of the specimen, causes the formation of four herringbone structures of ungripped portion. Again Table8 shows that the values of strip test in grab mode. In this case all the side yarns are removed. Only gripped portion contribute to total tensile strength. As a result of which the stress value is further reduced. Comparative study of grab test, modified grab test and strip test in grab mode is shown in Table11. The reinforcing effect of side yarns or ungripped portion as stated by Booth (6) is clearly visible in the table 9 for all the fabric samples except sample-2 i.e. the jute fabric. In modified grab test a slit is made to the ungripped portion. As a result of which the herringbone structure which assist in fabric strength is disturbed. The ultimate fabric strength is reduced to some extent. In case of cotton fabric (sample-4), the rupture behaviour in modified grab test is different from that of other fabrics. Due to higher cover factor of cotton fabric the tearing of fabric takes place at the slits made on two sides of sample. As a result of which modified grab strength result is much lower than the normal grab strength result. In case of strip test in grab mode all the side yarns are removed, only gripped portion is responsible for the ultimate strength values. The result is further reduced to some extent than modified grab test result. But the sample-4 shows an exceptional behaviour as stated in above paragraph. Regression line between grab and strip stress values: Tensile strength is one of the most important criteria for woven fabrics. Grab and strip test are standard strength testing method. To establish a relation between these two standard methods is advantageous for there applications.Table4 (column 3) and Table8 (column 3) shows, the values of fabric stress of strip and

standard grab test, both for warp and weft direction. The correlation coefficient between grab and strip test is 0.98. A regression equation is y ! 1.21x  0.529 Here, X = strip stress values; Y = grab stress values
25

20 Grab stress (kN/m)

15 Actual Predicted 5

10

0 0 5 10 Strip stress (kN/m) 15 20

Conclusion: 1) The realisation of single yarn strength in band compared to single thread strength is

always less than unity. The irregularity of breaking extension is the main reason behind this reduction in strength. So CV (%) of the breaking extension is an important factor. 2) In cloth crossing threads give some binding effect to the yarn band. As a result of which the strength realisation of single yarn strength in cloth band is always greater than unity. to average single thread strength is less than unity. compared to single thread strength in

3) The ratio of cloth strength per thread

So due to presence of crossing threads the strength realisation increases to some extent, but it cannot reach up to the average single thread strength, due to the variation in yarn extension. 4) In case of jute fabric keeping the fabric width constant, the fabric stress value is decreases with increase in gauge length. 5) In case of jute fabric keeping the gauge length constant, as the width of the testing sample increases, the stress value also increases. 6) Fabric strength in Strip mode is always greater than that of grab mode.

7) The grab strength value is always higher than the strip strength per inch tested in grab mode due to reinforcing effect of un-gripped portion of the fabric in grab test. 8) The modified grab strength value is always lower than standard grab strength value due to formation of four herringbone structures in the un-gripped portion as a result of making slit in the fabric of modified grab test specimen. 9) The correlation coefficient between grab test value and strip test value is 0.98. 10) The regression equation between grab test and strip test is Here, X = strip stress values; Y = grab stress values

References:
1. F.T.Peirce , J. Textile .Institute . 17, (1926) , T 355 2. F.T.Peirce. J. Textile Institute. 28, 1937, T45 3. H.M.Taylor, Tensile and Tearing Strength of Cotton Clothes, J. Textile Institute, 50, (1959), T161. 4. S.A.Shorter, J. Textile Institute, 48, 1957, T 99. 5. W.J.Shanahan, D.W. Loyd and J.W.s. Hearle, Characterizing the Elastic Behaviour of Textile fabrics in Complex Deformations, Textile Research Journal, 48, (1978), 495. 6. J.E Booth.; Principles of Textile Testing; Chapter The Tensile Testing of Textiles; Page432-438. 7. T.Eeg-Olofsson. and Bernskiold.A, Relation Between Grab Strength and Strip Strength of Fabrics, Textile Research Journal, 18, (1948), 135. 8. Ning Pan, Relationship between Grab and Strip Tensile Strength for Fabrics with Roughly Linear Mechanical Behaviour; Text. Research Journal, 73(2), February2003, P: 165-171. 9. Jianhua Wu and Ning Pan, Grab and Strip Tensile Strength for Woven Fabrics: An Experimentatal Verification, Textile Research Journal, November 2005, P- 789-796.