Bursting Strength
Bursting strength is a quality performance that indicates the resistance of a textile when subjected to force that pushes outward from the inside until it tears or develops a hole.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Evaluation Methods
Burst strength is an indicator that evaluates the strength of a textile when pressure is applied from the inside to a certain area, up to the point of bursting. It is used for both woven and knitted fabrics, but it is especially important for confirming the durability of knits and stretch fabrics, where forces are dispersed in multiple directions.
In the test, the specimen is fixed and loaded so that it bulges, and the pressure or load at the time of bursting is measured. Because the results vary depending on the testing machine type, specimen condition, preconditioning conditions, and other factors, it is important to compare values under the same test conditions.
Fabric Structure and Characteristics
Burst strength is not determined solely by the type of fiber. Yarn thickness and strength, knitted or woven structure, density, fabric weight, stretchability, and dyeing and finishing processes all have a comprehensive effect. In general, textiles whose yarn and structure make it easier to disperse load tend to achieve better resistance to bursting.
This performance does not directly indicate hand feel or appearance. However, for lightweight fabrics, soft textiles, brushed items, stretch materials, and similar products, it is necessary to confirm whether the desired lightness and stretch can be balanced. Prioritizing only high burst strength may increase stiffness or thickness.
Main Applications and Inspection Situations
Burst strength is checked in cut-and-sewn garments, underwear, sportswear, uniforms, and similar items that are likely to receive localized outward pressure during wear. For products such as knees, buttocks, and elbows that stretch repeatedly, or garments designed for a close fit to the body, performance settings suited to the application are necessary.
It is also referred to in applications such as bags and upholstery, depending on conditions where force is applied across a surface. However, damage in actual use also involves abrasion, tearing, and seam failure. It is important not to judge the overall durability of a product by burst strength alone.
Selection and Handling Considerations
When selecting a textile, clearly specify the required burst strength in the specification sheet based on the intended wearer, body area, ease allowance, degree of stretch, and number of wash cycles. In addition to checking the hand feel and stretch of the fabric sample, confirm the test results and test conditions of the textile used in mass production.
Washing, drying, and chemical treatment may change the dimensions, structure, and resin finish state of the textile, which can affect burst strength. For products where post-wash performance is important, evaluation after preconditioning that simulates actual handling is effective.
In sewing, be careful of thread breakage caused by excessively fine needles or inappropriate needle points, and of stress concentration at seams. Even if the burst strength of the textile itself is sufficient, seam bursting or tearing from stitch holes may occur, so confirm the thread, needle, and seam specifications as well.
Differences from Similar Terms
Tensile strength is the resistance to breaking when a textile is pulled mainly in one or two directions. Burst strength, by contrast, measures resistance to multidirectional force that pushes the surface outward from the inside. For stretch fabrics in particular, both should be checked according to the application.
Tear strength is the resistance to further tearing once a cut has already started in the textile. Abrasion resistance evaluates surface wear and hole formation caused by rubbing. Because the mode of damage and the load condition during testing differ from burst strength, it cannot be used as a substitute indicator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a fabric with high burst strength always mean it is durable?
It can be said to have high resistance to bursting, but durability as a product cannot be judged by this alone. Wear from friction, tearing, seam strength, and changes after washing are different performance aspects. Multiple test items need to be checked according to the application and expected load.
Which should be prioritized, burst strength or tensile strength?
It depends on the state of the force applied to the textile. For cases where the surface expands during wear, such as knits and stretch fabrics, burst strength is a useful reference. Tensile strength is also important for areas or specifications subjected to strong pulling in one direction. Both should be evaluated based on actual wear and sewing conditions.
