Experimental characterization for uniaxial tensile properties of high‐performance TX30 polyesters

Abstract

Coated fabric is a composite textile consisting of fiber‐based cloth and surface coating. It features advantages such as lightweight, high strength, and multifunctionality, making it highly popular in architectural membrane structures. However, conventional coated fabrics have been facing bottlenecks such as short service life, difficult maintenance, and low dimensional stability. This paper introduces an innovative high‐performance PVC coated polyester named Flexlight Xtrem TX30, which possesses excellent longevity and durable aesthetics. The uniaxial tensile properties of three types of TX30 polyesters in the warp, weft, and 45° directions were comprehensively revealed through monotonic and cyclic tests. First, mono‐uniaxial tensile tests were performed on six specimens for each case. The failure characteristics were observed and strength at different angles was determined. Benefiting from the precontraint technology, the difference in strength between the warp and weft directions for TX30 is less than 5%. Second, uniaxial cyclic tensile tests were conducted on four specimens for each case. The initial tensile behavior exhibited the highest nonlinearity, with an R‐squared value greater than 0.999 for the cubic stress–strain relation. By the 15th cycle, the stiffness increment for all cases is less than 1%, indicating the attainment of material stabilization. Additionally, ratcheting effect and hysteresis loops were observed during the tests. The ratcheting strain and dissipated energy across different cases were thoroughly discussed and compared. In general, the experimental investigations in this study facilitate the understanding of the mechanical characteristics of the novel TX30 polyesters, providing insights for engineering applications and academic research.Highlights The uniaxial tensile properties of innovative TX30 polyesters were investigated. The failure mechanism and tensile strength at different angles were identified. The nonlinear stress–strain relations and cyclic material behaviors were determined.