Effect of structural parameters on thermal conductivity of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fabric

Abstract

To investigate the thermal conductivity of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fabric, 11 fabric samples were prepared using a semi-automatic weaving machine. Surface temperature measurements were conducted using infrared thermography to evaluate the effects of linear density, fabric density, and structural parameters on thermal conductivity. It is noteworthy that, upon heating, the temperature of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fabric exhibits a tendency to stabilize approximately 50 s into the heating process, characterized by a remarkably narrow temperature fluctuation range, typically not exceeding 0.5 °C. Moreover, fabrics characterized by a higher weft density and coarser weft yarns demonstrate a proclivity toward elevated temperatures along the weft direction. Conversely, fabrics with an increased warp density demonstrate elevated temperatures in the warp direction. In parallel, fabrics woven with finer yarns and greater fabric density manifest elevated vertical temperatures and a heightened susceptibility to heat penetration. In contrast, fabrics fashioned with coarse and dense yarns boast a substantial heat transfer surface area, resulting in a broader heat distribution pattern. Importantly, the satin weave emerges as a particularly noteworthy weave structure, demonstrating superior thermal conductivity attributes across fabrics of varying weave types.