Polypropylene is one of the most popular and versatile

plastics available. It is a linear hydrocarbon polymer that can be made into both woven and

nonwoven fabrics. Woven PP is a strong fabric that is used to make bags, sacks, and industrial

covers. Nonwoven PP is created without weaving fibers; instead, it is formed by layering

sheets of plastic together. Both types of woven and nonwoven PP fabrics are durable, flexible,

lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, recyclable, and fire-resistant. They can also be

made with antimicrobial or flame retardant additives to meet specific needs.

PP woven fabric is

a functional and affordable product that has many uses across numerous industries.

Advancements in technology and sustainable manufacturing techniques are anticipated to boost

the demand for this material worldwide for several years to come.

A specialized type of woven

PP fabric is the sleeve for large containers, such as bulk bags and FIBCs. These are used in

various commercial and industrial applications, including food grain packing, fertilizers,

chemicals, cement, and polymers. These sleeved containers provide an economical and reliable

packaging option for large commodities.

The sleeve is often made of a blend of different

materials, and the composition may vary depending on the application. Typical sleeve materials

include nylon, cotton, polyester, and twill. Polypropylene is usually chosen for its

durability, resistance to moisture, and chemical stability. In some cases, the sleeve will be

laminated with another substance to increase the strength or durability of the fabric.

Unlike

other types of fabric, woven polypropylene doesn’t have the traditional denier or thread

count. Rather, it is measured in GSM (grams per square meter), which is similar to how weight

is measured for other textiles, like wool or cotton. This is because the yarns in woven

polypropylene don’t form a continuous web; they are laid out separately. This makes the

sleeve more flexible, but it isn’t as durable as a woven fabric.

The cutting resistance of

woven and knitted composite fabrics was evaluated using FE-SEM. The results indicate that the

cut resistance of knitted composite fabrics is lower than that of woven fabric samples. The

difference is attributed to low fiber volume fraction and less orientation of the fibers to

wales/course direction in the knitted samples.

The cut resistance behavior of 100% Kevlar, and

50% PE/50% Kevlar composite knitted and woven fabrics was evaluated using FE-SEM. Composite

woven and knitted fabrics showed better cut resistance than pure Kevlar or pure PP fabrics. It

can be attributed to the improved on-axis mechanical properties of these fabrics. These

fabrics are useful for industrial and protective applications, especially in environments

where high levels of abrasion or radiation exposure are expected. Further improvement in the

cutting resistance can be achieved by doping of the PE fibers with metal-based powders.