Numerical and experimental study of bursting behavior of braid‐reinforced polyether sulfone hollow fibrous‐structured composites

Abstract Hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) offer a remarkable surface area‐to‐volume ratio that enables extremely effective mass transfer processes for filtering molecules or ions according to intrinsic characteristics like size. The main weak point of the HFMs is their low hoop and axial strength under internal pressure during fluid passage. In the present study, the bursting behavior of braid‐reinforced polyether sulfone hollow fibrous‐structured composites was investigated, numerically and experimentally. For this purpose, tubular braids with different structures were produced and used as reinforcement for HFMs. Nylon 6 and PET yarns with a count of 200 Den were used to produce braids by a 24‐Carrier braiding machine. The experimental and numerical results showed that the structural parameters of the braid can significantly affect the bursting behavior of braid‐reinforced hollow fiber composites, such that samples produced by higher frequency undergo larger stresses. The maximum and minimum Mises' stresses are 4427 and 2434 kPa, respectively, and belong to the P‐9 and N‐7 samples, respectively. In addition, P‐9 and N‐7 samples also exhibited maximum and minimum hoop stresses of 2855 and 2625 kPa, respectively. Furthermore, different types of bursting occur in HFMs under internal pressure, with the number and type of bursts depending on the structural parameters of thebraids. Highlights Bursting of braid‐reinforced PES composites was investigated numerically. Braid structural parameters significantly affect HFMs' bursting behavior. Higher frequency braids experience larger stresses affecting HFMs' integrity. Maximum Mises stresses of 4427 kPa and a minimum of 2434 kPa recorded. Maximum and minimum hoop stresses were 2855 and 2625 kPa, respectively.