Study on planar compression properties of multi-layered spacer fabrics

Due to the thickness of the spacer fabric, it is usually assembled in a multi-layered manner as a cushion material. However, few studies have been conducted on the compression properties of the multi-layered spacer fabrics. Firstly, this paper analyzes the factors affecting the compression properties of multi-layered spacer fabrics, and explains the influencing mechanisms. Results show that the fixing condition between the sample and the indenter, the fixing condition between layers, the overlaying direction and the compression speed have little effect on the compression property. However, when overlaying spacer fabrics with different moduli, a better compression property can be obtained by placing the fabric with a higher modulus on top. Secondly, this paper focuses on the relationship between the layers and the compression property of the spacer fabrics. It shows that the relation between the compression work and the number of layers is linear, with a high correlation coefficient. The relationship between the modulus and the number of layers is in the form of a cubic function with a good correlation coefficient. Finally, the Kelvin model is modeled and is found to be suitable for characterizing the stage II compressive properties of multi-layered spacer fabrics. The above quantitative analysis provides theoretical support for the design of cushion materials with different moduli and support performance in different regions, and has practical guiding significance.