Impact properties of 2D and 3D woven

composites : A review
Cite as: AIP Conference Proceedings 1774, 020002 (2016); https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4965050
Published Online: 19 October 2016

D. P. C. Aiman, M. F. Yahya, and J. Salleh

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© 2016 Author(s).
 Impact Properties of 2D and 3D Woven Composites : A
Review
Aiman D.P.C, Yahya M.F a), Salleh J.

Textile Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA

(UiTM), Shah Alam, 40450 Selangor Darul Ehsan
a)
Corresponding author: faizulyahya@salam.uitm.edu.my

Abstract. Energy absorption and high impact damage resistance/tolerance of composites materials have become one of important
criteria for textile composite utilizaton in many technical textile industries. Textile composites are known for its strength to
weight ratio. Technical application such as protection helmet need a high impact damage resistance/tolerance properties of textile
composites. Different weave structure plays a key role in determining the mechanical performance particularly in impact
resistance. 3D woven composites shows a prominent results to enhance the impact loading compared to 2D woven composites.
This is due to the low delamination resistance of 2D woven composites. This paper will presents review on impact properties of
2D and 3D woven composites.

Keywords: 2D composites, 3D woven composites, impact resistance

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Composites materials are made from combinations of two or more different substances with own characteristics, which then
combined to produce a superior material used for various technical applications [1]. The textile composites has gained its
importance in various applications for the past decade as it has better mechanical properties. Composites are used in many
industries such as transportation, construction, electrical equipment and aerospace industry. Textile composites commonly used
in various technical applications such as protection helmet due to strength to weight ratio factor. Laminated composites are
vulnerable to damages under cross impacts although possessed a superior advantage. Thus, research on impact damage tolerance
and energy absorption of laminated composites has been conducted for a long time [2-7]. Production of composites leads to a
better properties such as high strength, toughness, stiffness and good compression resistance due to thickness of the composites.

Textile structures are widely accepted as composite precursors as it offers many technical advantages. Textile materials are
not only easily be bend for mouldability but it is also offers strength to weight ratios. For instance, aramid based fibers have
higher modulus than steel but at lower densities [8]. There are many textile structures being used for composites. The structures
are woven, knitted, braided and yarns. Among all, woven fabrics are one of the most importance structures used for composites.
Woven fabrics are produced by assembling yarns in warp and weft directions. Weft and warp yarns are positioned next to each
other depending on the yarn thickness. The position of the yarns should be emphasized as yarn friction contributed to woven
fabric resistance against impact of puncture force [9]. Woven textile composites are normally made by laying several layers of
2D fabrics and reinforce with resin in order to produce a multilayer fabric. Thicker composites structures are achievable by laying
multiple fabric layers together. However, this condition will lead to low delamination resistance. 3D woven composites offers
better delamination resistant material and compressive strength. Existence of z-yarn in 3D woven fabric can avoid delamination
as it binds the fabric through thickness thus improved the interlaminar strength respectively [10]. 3D woven fabric structures are
developed within the last two decades to withstand multi-directional mechanical and thermal stresses [11]

International Conference on Advanced Science, Engineering and Technology (ICASET) 2015

AIP Conf. Proc. 1774, 020002-1–020002-6; doi: 10.1063/1.4965050
Published by AIP Publishing. 978-0-7354-1432-7/$30.00

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 2.0 2D AND 3D WOVEN FABRIC STRUCTURE

2D weaving is a process of producing rigid fabric by interlacing two sets of yarn known as warp and weft at 90 degree cross-over
points. Normally, the warp yarn have more twist and stronger than filling yarns, more uniform in appearance and structure
besides defined as “ends per cm” for its density. Weft yarns tend to run perpendicular to the warp and called as “filling yarns”
and “picks”. Plain, twill and satin are examples of 2D woven fabrics. These 2D fabrics are well known for their low cost,
lightweight and impact damage resistance. However, the presence of float and crimp during yarn interlacing have effected 2D
woven fabric mechanical performance [12]. 3D weaving differs with 2D weaving as it consists additional “z-yarn” that act as
binder through the thickness of 3D woven fabric compared to 2D woven fabric that use only two sets of yarns [13].
Satin fabric is the official dress for the England’s royalty during 14th century and it becomes luxurious nowadays.
Normally, if the filament thread is wool, satin weave is known as polyester or silk but if the filament thread is cotton, the fabric is
known as sateen. Hosur et al [14] studied about impact damage resistance under low-velocity impact loading between satin
weave and seven layer plain weave. Satin weave composite have good impact resistance as it exhibit the least damage compared
to plain weave due to the stitching effectiveness of fabric. Jeelani et al [15] stated that satin weave exhibit higher modulus and
peak stress as satin weave have straight fabric architecture resulting in lower crimp angle. The length of yarn waviness affected
the yarn crimp. Lower crimp angle leads to a good impact and tensile performance [16].
3D woven fabrics can be defined as fabrics that have three dimensions through it thickness normally known as X-
direction, Y-direction and Z-direction [17]. Normally, the direction of yarns interlacing for 3D fabric structures are longitudinal
(X), cross (Y) and vertical (Z) [11]. 3D woven fabric are produced by interlacing of three sets of yarns that are warp yarn, weft
yarn and z-yarn. During formation of 3D woven fabric, the z-yarn solidify the fabric by interconnecting the warp yarns and weft
yarns through the thickness of the fabric [18]. 3D woven fabric can be produced by 3D and 2D weaving machines. Orthogonal
weave, multilayer and angle-interlock are the most widely used structures in 3D woven fabrics.
Angle interlock and orthogonal satin are the common 3D fabric used for impact and ballistic resistance. Based on
previous study conducted by Zhjiang et al [19] stated that 3D angle interlock fabric are suitable for application on ballistic
protection because it have high delamination resistance than laminated composites. In addition, Vaidya et al [20] studied that 3D
angle interlock composite possessed a higher impact resistance. The binder will hold all layers of fabric which will enhance the
delamination resistance when impact exerted on composites. However, Boussu et al [21] proclaimed that 3D angle interlock
weave fabric also has failure mechanisms under high ballistic impact rate. This was due to the difference yarn crimp between
both directions that leads to damage at free edges.
Equally, 3D orthogonal woven fabric composite is reported to have good impact performance. Baucom et al [12] explained that
3D orthogonal woven composites provides unique energy absorption mechanisms for low-velocity impact and gave the largest
spread of damage. Unique energy absorption achieved when the energy was distributed well along the fibers that made it can
withstand the impact penetration. In addition, Xiwen Jia et al [22] studied about the ballistic penetration on 3D orthogonal woven
composite using conical cylindrical steel projectile. The researchers found that 3D orthogonal woven composite have a good
impact resistance as no delamination occurs because of the existence of z-yarns in thickness direction.

3.0 DELAMINATION

Delamination is a critical issue to be highlighted when 2D woven fabrics are stacked in layers. Delamination is defined as the
failure of a composite materials which leads to loss of coating adhesion between its layers. There are three delamination stages
known as “Critical Matrix Crack”, “Delamination” and “Micro Matrix Crack”. Delamination occur when the bonds that hold the
layers together start to break down. Hou et al [23] stated that delamination occurred before fiber failure and matrix cracking
under the impactor site. In order to predict delamination, Davies et al [24] used a fracture mechanics based failure criterion.
Several factors need to be considered in order to avoid delamination to take place. The factors are rapid changing in temperature
and pressure will cause the composites to be delaminated faster. Other than that, adhesives are easily prone to humidity, thus
made the composites weak for impact resistance when connected physically.
Abrate and Cantwell [25] reviewed that the delamination of 2D woven composites occurred when exerted to impact.
Geubelle et al [26] studied on the impact-induced delamination of 2D composites. The researchers found that the crack extended
until it reached the interface of neighboring ply with different orientation of fiber as the energy increases. Thus, delamination
process started when the matrix cracks may not propagate in its original direction and deflected to the ply interface. The
delamination process involve three stages. The first stage referred as “critical matrix crack” where the matrix starting to crack
that initiates the delamination. The second stage referred as “delamination” where the crack formation continues between the
adhesion layers. The last stage referred as “micro matrix cracks” when the transverse matrix cracks appear as the delamination
continues. Figure 1 below show the schematic diagram of delamination condition of composites for each stage [26].

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 Fig
gure 1. Schematic diagram for delamination
d of ccomposites for eeach stage [26]

The inherennt delamination issue in 2D woveen fabric composite has led to fuurther use of 3D woven fabric [227]. 3D woven faabrics
provide a beetter delaminatio
on resistance, im
mpact resistance and
a low-velocityy impact damagee tolerance [28-332]. Theoreticallly, 3D
woven fabriic tend to bend downwards
d and compressed
c betteer until maximum m limit when suubjected to impacct loadings beforre it
will rupture or break. The su
urface damage area,
a depth of pen
netration and daamage on each laayer of 3D woveen fabric will be
smaller commpared to 2D woven fabric due to o better impact resistance.
r In adddition, higher kiinetic energy andd velocity are reqquired
to penetrate a 3D woven fab bric than 2D fabrric.

4.0 FACTOR
RS INFLUE
ENCE IMPA
ACT RESIS
STANCE

Z-yarn is foormed when waarp yarn moves from top to bo ottom layer. Thee yarn will bindd all the layers together and prrovides
enhanced sttructural integritty. Dickinson ett al [33] and Faarley et al [34] stated that cracck formation cann be avoided w
with the
existence off z-yarn when suubjected to impaact loading. Thus, the impact daamage resistancee was greater and better lower inn-plane
mechanical properties of 3D D woven compo osites compared to 2D laminatess. Z-yarns in 3D D composites funnctioning effectiively to
prevent delaamination occurrances when exeerted with impacct loading [35]. In addition, Riichardson et al [[36] identified tthat 3D
composites has withstand a prolonged expose as the z-yarrns ability has reesulted in the ennergy absorptionn increase and eenabled
wider impacct force dissipatiion.

3D stitchingg is one of the effective

e way to enhance damag ge tolerance or re
resistance. Stitchhing is a simplesst process to prooduce a
3D composites where the composites
c stitcched together thrrough thicknesss direction by ussing inexpensivve high tensile sstrength
yarn. Stitching of composittes can improve the delaminatio on resistance andd increase the str
trength to compoosite joints whicch have
been studieed by micromecchanical modeliing and experim mental approachh [37]. Numeroous study also revealed that sstitched
composites leads to a better properties such as compression, flexure and imppact resistance w which improved up to 20% [38]..
39-41] studied on
Dransfield et al [3 n impact resistan
nce of multilayeer 2D laminates bby using carbonn fiber. They fouund that
stitching im
mproved the impaact performance of FRP compossites. In additionn, optimal combiination between fabrication paraameters
and the stittching need to be measured efffectively to inccrease impact reesistance. Howeever, Walter et al [27] conduccted an
experiment to investigate whether
w 3D stitcching is one off the effective appproach to enhaance the delamiination resistancce. The
researchers found that cracck formation within weft yarns was spotted duue to the pressuure applied to thhe fiber when uundergo
stitching proocess thus showws that stitching was not suitablle to high rate iimpact loading. 3D stitching waas formed by sttitching
several layeers of 2D weave fabric in order to hold them together. Several studies also fouund that stitchingg does not improove the
damage toleerance on compo osites and degrad ded in some cases such as high tension on fiberrs during stitchinng process will w weaken
the fabric [4
42-46].

Polymer maatrix is a solventt that have been made by polymeerization through gh synthesis proccess. Generally, matrix solvent iis made
from syntheetic polymer wh hich has adhesivve, film-forming g or useful reacttive properties. A polymer is ddefined as a longg chain
molecule coontaining one or more repeat uniits of atoms join ned together by sstrong covalent bbonds. It is dividded into two categories
which are thhermosets and thermoplastics
t [4
47]. This matrixx of this resin caan improve the properties of coomposite materials and
improve thee performance of individual com mponent materiaals through its syynergistic behavvior. The matrix has form a signnificant
volume fracction of polymerr composite with h specific amoun nt of critical funcctions which willl increase impacct/fracture resistaance as
well as prov
vides stiffness an
nd strength lackiing in the matrixx. It react as a biinder that bond together with fibbers reinforcemeent and
maintainingg the shape of a component. Th he resin is also responsible in tr transferring the aapplied load to reinforced fiberrs. This
resin does protect
p the materrials form degradation that can cause
c by abrasioon or environmeental attack [48]. Examples of ppolymer
matrix are epoxy
e and polyyester resin. Polyyester resin wass well known fo for good UV prootection, low coost and easy haandling.
However, production
p of co
omposites by using polyester reesin leads to a ppoor mechanicall properties. Epoxy resin offerss better

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mechanical and thermal properties as well as low curing period. The disadvantages of using epoxy are high cost of material and
skilled worker needed for mixing procedure as the mixing process is crucial.
Williams et al [49] studied on the effect of polymer matrix on impact damage tolerance of graphite/epoxy laminates. Twenty-four
types of epoxy resins systems were used in this experiment. The researchers concluded that elastomeric additives systems, vinyl
modifier systems and thermoplastics additives systems exhibits the highest damage tolerance to impact. Siddiqui et al [50]
investigated on interlaminar fracture behavior and mechanical properties of CFRPs with nanoclay-filled epoxy matrix. The
researchers stated that the existence of nanoclay in the matrix increased the interlaminar strength of the composites. This was due
to the significant improvement offered by the clay particles with high aspect ratios which increase the modulus and strength of
the composites.

5.0 CONCLUSION

This paper presented an overview of impact damage resistance/tolerance of 2D and 3D woven composites. Woven composites
industries are widespread in various applications for the past decade especially in protective equipment, automobile, sports
equipment and marine. 3D woven composites shows a better impact damage resistance/tolerance compared to 2D woven
composites due to the existence of z-yarn in the weave structure. The z-yarn has a unique energy absorptions mechanisms which
made the impact damage area of 3D woven composites smaller compared to 2D woven composites. 3D stitching and polymer
matrix are parts of the significant factors contributed to the impact resistance of woven composites.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This work was supported by Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia through the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS)
2014/2016 and Universiti Teknologi Mara.

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