Mechanical performance of hard particle impregnated hybrid yarn woven fabrics for occupational cut protection

Occupational injuries are expanding worldwide and constitute a major safety issue. The mechanical and cut-resistant performance of 36 woven fabrics made from hard particle impregnated (HPI) hybrid yarns with stainless steel (SS) or glass filament cores and dual sheath layers of polyester and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene was examined. Mechanical testing revealed that non-HPI and HPI fabrics of 250 g/m² areal density with SS cores exhibited the highest tensile strength (∼120-130 MPa) and maximum tear strength (∼650-850 N). Cut resistance was remarkably improved in 250 g/m² areal density fabrics. HPI-treated SS-core fabrics withstood a maximum cutting load of ∼2930 gf, representing an 8-30% enhancement over non-HPI samples. Microscopic analysis confirmed the blunt of blades due to hard particles caused the superior cut resistance. Hard-particle impregnation reduces mechanical strength to an acceptable level but improves cut protection, making it a viable advanced occupational safety method.