Mechanical performance of solar-protective fabrics manufactured from volcanic mineral-modified polyester yarns

The increasing demand for functional textiles has led to extensive research on the incorporation of mineral-based additives into synthetic fibers to enhance their performance characteristics. In this study, the effects of volcanic mineral additives on the mechanical properties of polyester yarns and woven fabrics intended for solar protection applications were investigated. Cerium oxide-and silicon oxide-based masterbatches were prepared using a PBT carrier and incorporated into polyester during the melt-spinning process to produce partially oriented yarns (POY). The POY yarns were subsequently textured to obtain draw textured yarns (DTY), which were then used in the production of curtain fabrics. The tensile properties, boiling shrinkage, and crimp contraction behaviour of the yarns were evaluated, while the mechanical performance of the woven fabrics was assessed through tensile strength and tear strength tests conducted in both warp and weft directions. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of volcanic mineral additives influenced the structural and mechanical behaviour of polyester yarns and fabrics. Fabric test results revealed that cerium oxide-added polyester fabrics exhibited higher breaking strength values than silicon oxide-added fabrics. Tear strength performance was affected by both fabric direction and additive type. While fabrics containing 2% silicon oxide showed lower tear strength in the warp direction, they exhibited higher tear strength in the weft direction. Overall, the findings demonstrate that volcanic mineral additives can be successfully incorporated into polyester yarn structures and significantly influence the resulting yarn and fabric properties.