**6. Application of fabrics in technical textiles**

#### **6.1. Structural components**

Two- and three-dimensional woven, braided, knitted and nonwoven composites as structural components for various industrial applications fulfilled the general requirements such as low cost, manufacturability, good mechanical performance and energy absorption, corrosion resistance, repairability and recyclability, fuel economy and low noise level [149]. Typical structural components in various industrial applications are knot elements for space framelike structures, beams, shells, exhaust, seats and chassis. For instance, the use of woven and braided composites in structural applications allows a significant reduction in component number and provides a substantial weight reduction compared with metal [87]. In addition, 2D and 3D woven, braided and knitted composites as T-joints and T-shape connectors, cones, pipes, and I-beams are attractive applications in general engineering fields. Two- and threedimensional nonwoven composites can be used in construction industry as a roofing and tile underlay, thermal and noise insulation, and house wrap. Some geotextile applications of 2D or multilayerd 3D nonvoven composites are asphalt overlay, soil stabilization, drainage, sedimentation and erosion control. Industrial applications of the 2D or 3D nonwoven struc‐ tures are cable insulation, battery separators, satellite dishes and coating [149]. The 2D nonwoven nano web structures are increasingly finding applications in filtration industry, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, electrical conductors, thermal and lightning protection, energy field in batteries, photovoltaic cells, polymer electrolytes and membrane fuel cells and advanced structural composites.

#### **6.2. Ballistic applications**

Two- and three-dimensional woven fabric and rigid ballistic plate are used extensively to protect the human and goods from various threats such as projectile, blast, fragment and high energy explosives. In addition, 2D and 3D braided, knitted and nonwoven fabrics and rigid composites can be utilized as protective products for vehicular crash guards, composite helmet, interlinings, insulation and protective industrial workwear and firefighter suits [49, 149]. Two- and three-dimensional woven, braided, knitted and nonwoven structures for soft and rigid ballistic applications are made by using high modulus and high strength fibers like para-aramid and polyethylene. Ballistic structures are manufactured as multilayer to obtain required structural thickness by using the above mentioned 2D fabrics. In some cases, to enhance the out-of-plane properties, those 2D fabrics are formed by stitching or quilting. In particular, 2D woven fabric for soft ballistic applications is very effective due to the in-plane crimp between yarn sets since the crimps act as a secondary energy absorbing mechanism due to local intra-yarn frictional forces generated during impact loads. In addition, 2D nanofiberbased nonwovens are being applied as sound absorption materials and in protective clothing to combat chemical and biological warfare agents.
