Conventional Braiding Processes

According to their characteristics, braids can be divided into two- and three-dimensional structures. Two-dimensional braids are classic textile applications produced on conventional braiding machines. On the basis of the principles and how they are affected mechanically, the machines can be distinguished as 

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It is reported that no visible damage to the nanotube yams is imparted by the braiding process and the 3-D braids are very fine, extremely flexible, hold sufficient load, and are well suited for the use in any other textile formation process, or directly as reinforcement for composites. The reported elastic and strength properties of carbon nanotube composites so far are rather low in comparison with conventional continuous carbon fiber composites. It is believed that the properties can be substantially improved if the processing methods and stmctures are optimized [191]. 

As a result, a number of pultrusion variants that combine conventional pultrusion and other processes such as compression moulding, injection, braiding, etc., have gained attention due to the ability to integrate the best qualities of the basic processes (Strong, 2002 Sumerak and Martin, 1987). 

A textile composite reinforced by woven or nonwoven fabrics, knits, or braids is a material of great interest Conventional textile composites are developed as the combination of various synthetic fibers and resins. On the other hand, material developed by the combination of natural fibers and natural-resource-based resin may be called a textile biocomposite. Natural fibers are first changed into bundle form, known as slivers, and then spun into a continuous yam. Spun yams are often twisted around each other to make a heavier yarn, called a twisted or plied yarn. Such spun yams are processed into final textile products such as woven fabrics, knits, and braids. The textile biocomposites described in this chapter are natural-resource-based resin composites reinforced by such spun yarns or textile products. Section 10.1 describes the elastic properties oftwisted yam biocomposites of ramie, and Section 10.2 introduces the development and evaluation of bladed yarn composites made from jute. 

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