Advances in mechanical properties of flexible textile composites

In recent years, flexible composites have received wide attention for their unique properties, such as large deformation, lightness, and fatigue resistance. By blending the appropriate flexible polymer with additives, the desirable properties of flexible composites can be obtained. The interface between the flexible polymer and the textile reinforcement has a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the flexible composites. In order to be applied in aerospace, building materials, and other fields, exploration of the mechanical properties of flexible composites is necessary for basic research. This paper reviews recent research advances on the mechanical properties of various flexible composites. Firstly, the interface and in-plane damage behavior of flexible composites are introduced, and then the constitutive model of flexible composites is studied. Finally, the dynamic mechanical properties and out-of-plane damage behavior of flexible composites are discussed to providing references for the engineering application of flexible composites. The discussion presented in this paper will not only summarize the research trend of mechanical properties of flexible composites, but also promote the structural optimization design of flexible composites.