A stochastic overlap network model of electrical properties for conductive weft yarn composites and their experimental study

Conductive weft yarn composites were developed and studied by both computational and experimental methods. A simulation based on a stochastic overlap network model (SONM) was developed in MATLAB to predict the through-thickness electrical conductivity (TTEC) for conductive weft yarn composites. Conductive weft yarn composites based on Inter-Woven Wire Fabric (IWWF) were manufactured and investigated. The results confirm that the technique can be used to increase the TTEC in a controlled manner by forming a continuous electrically conductive network with a comparatively low volume fraction of conductors. The TTEC of typical cross-ply conductive weft yarn composites reached 446 S/m, which is three orders of magnitude times higher than the control laminate. The simulated data are consistent with the experimental results, offering good scope for predictive design work.