Prototyping and analyzing physical properties of Weft knitted spacer fabrics as a substitute for wound dressings

In this research, the required physical properties of weft knitted spacer fabrics, as an alternative for wound dressings have been investigated. For this purpose, weft knitted spacer fabrics with five different fabric structures have been produced on the electronic flat knitting machine. Moreover, in order to compare the properties of the produced fabrics with available wound dressings in the market, two kinds of wound dressing have been prepared from the market. Then, the physical properties of the spacer fabrics and the wound dressings such as air permeability, water vapor permeability, thermal conductivity, compressibility and absorbency have been measured and compared. The results show that in weft knitted spacer fabrics with the same fabric structure of the outer layer and different inclination angle (the angle formed between the outer layer and the spacer yarn), by decreasing the inclination angle, the fabric air permeability, water vapor permeability and absorbency decrease and the thermal conductivity and compressibility increase. Moreover, the use of tuck stitches in the outer layer of the spacer fabric leads to an increase of air permeability, water vapor permeability, absorbency and thermal conductivity and decrease of compressibility. The wound dressings also exhibit less air permeability and compressibility than weft knitted spacer fabrics. On the other hand, they possess higher water vapor permeability and absorbency. According to the results, among the examined weft knitted spacer fabrics in this research, the fabric with the tuck stitches in the outer layer is specified as the most appropriate alternative for wound dressing, in case of wounds with low exudates.