Bonded composite knitted structural textiles

Abstract

Bonded composite knitted structural textiles are formed of knitted polymeric fibers. The textile is formed from at least two, and preferably three or four, polymeric components. The first component, or load bearing member, is a high tenacity, high modulus, low elongation mono- or multifilament yarn. The second component is a fusible polymer in yarn or other form which will encapsulate and bond adjacent load bearing yarns. The third component is an optional effect or bulking yarn. The fourth component is a conventional multifilament warp knit stitch forming yarn to form the ground structure of the knitted textile. Knitted textiles of the present invention may be formed by any conventional knitting technique, i.e., weft insertion warp knitting, warp insertion weft knitting, and warp and weft insertion knitting. At least a portion of the laid-in warp and/or weft yarns are first component load bearing yarns. Specific and, if desired, periodically varying strength characteristics may be created in the finished product by varying the number, location and type of fiber component yarns. The second encapsulating and bonding polymer component is used as required to improve the structural integrity, initial modulus, stiffness and durability of the finished product. The effect or bulking yarns are used as laid-in warp and/or weft yarns as required to increase the bulk and cross-sectional profile of the finished product to improve its effectiveness in mechanically and frictionally resisting movement when embedded in construction fill materials.