Date Approved

10-12-2005

Date Posted

10-6-2012

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Technology Studies

Committee Member

Kelly Welker, PhD, Chair

Committee Member

Polly Buchanan, PhD, RD, CHE

Committee Member

Louise Jones, ArchD

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to evaluate and compare the physical properties of knitted fabrics in bilaminate and trilaminate composite forms used in Foam-In-Place (FIP) manufacturing technology for automotive applications. Seven physical tests employed by the automotive industry to evaluate the physical properties of fabric were used. The factors tested were Elongation, Boardiness, Weight, Thickness, Stretch and Set, Breaking Radius, and Ravel. Each test was performed according to standard test methods established by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) or the specifications of tier-one automotive seat suppliers. Fabric samples consisted of three flat knit fabrics as bilaminate and trilaminate composites, laminated by one source, using the same method and polymer. The fabric specimens were tested for the foregoing properties.

Independent Samples Tests were performed to determine statistically significant differences between the knitted fabric test data. The analysis indicated that there were differences in the physical properties of bilaminated and trilaminated knitted fabrics.

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