Abstract: To study the mechanical properties of support materials of spherical ground-based inflatable antenna, the properties of tensile, tear, bursting of high-strength polyester yarn plain weave PVC membrane fabric were investigated in a standard laboratory environment. The tensile properties were investigated in varying length of the glued material which adhered by Loctite 401 glue and in different immersion periods of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. The results showed that the warp tensile strength of support material was greater than that of the weft. The tensile strength increased at first then flattened out with the glued length increases. The tensile strength of the warp and weft both declined as alkaline etching time progresses, but the decline magnitude of weft tensile strength was greater than warp. PVC membrane materials had good resistance properties to hydrochloric acid. The warp tear strength of support material was greater than the weft and bursting specimens showed cracks in the form of weft breakage.

Key words: tensile, tear, bursting, membrane materials