Advanced composite yams

Apart from the yams containing a stainless steel core, two other types of composite yams were tested, the first being a two-ply yam, where two types of yams were twisted together, and the second an advanced composite yam, where a minimum of three components are used to make up a yam. Schematic diagrams of both types are shown in Fig. 7.20 (a) and (b). 

Several different compositions of the advanced composite yams were manufactured in order to compare their tensile properties. The stress/strain curves for these yams are shown in Fig. 7.21. The Tilsatec yams are two-ply composite yams and WF series yams are advanced composite yams. 

Fig. 7.20 Composite yams (a) two-ply composite yam (b) advanced composite yam (reproduced with permission from Superior Glove Works Ltd). ...

Fig. 7.21 Stress/strain curves for two-ply and advanced composite yams.

In the field of tissue engineering, more information on and a better understanding of the wettability and permeability of nanofiber yams, as well as their structural properties as a function of biodegradation, should lead to the development of highly functional tissue scaffolds and wound dressings. Successful electrospinning of other materials, such as metals and non-oxide ceramics, and better control over the crystallinity of electrospun polymer fibers will lead to significant advances in nanofiber reinforced composite materials. 

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