Overview of softness adjustment technology of towel cloth TPU film fabric
Torp TPU film fabric is a composite material that combines textile and polymer materials science. Due to its unique flexibility and functionality, it has been widely used in sportswear, household products and medical protection. Its core characteristic is that the fabric is given excellent waterproof and breathable performance and comfortable feel through the composite process of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film and fabric substrate. However, softness, as one of the important indicators to measure the quality of this composite fabric, directly affects the product’s user experience and market competitiveness. Therefore, studying how to accurately adjust the softness of terry cloth TPU film fabrics has become a focus of the industry.
In practical applications, softness adjustment not only involves the physical and chemical properties of the material itself, but also is affected by multiple influences of processing technology, equipment parameters and post-tidying technology. For example, the thickness, hardness level, and bonding method of the TPU film will significantly change the overall softness of the fabric. In addition, different end uses also require different softness: sportswear requires higher elasticity and comfort, while household items pay more attention to durability and touch. To meet these diverse needs, it is particularly important to develop a systematized softness adjustment technology.
This article aims to comprehensively explore the key technologies for adjusting the softness of terry cloth TPU film fabrics, including raw material selection, production process optimization and post-treatment methods, and analyze the impact of different parameters on softness based on actual cases. At the same time, the article will cite authoritative foreign literature to provide theoretical support and practical guidance. Through in-depth research on this field, we hope to provide relevant companies and scientific researchers with valuable reference basis and promote technological innovation and development in the industry.
Raw material selection and its impact on softness
In the production process of terry cloth TPU film fabrics, the choice of raw materials directly determines the softness and performance of the final product. The following are several key raw materials and their specific impact on softness:
1. TPU film
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) film is one of the core components that make up this composite fabric. Depending on its chemical structure and manufacturing process, TPU films can exhibit a variety of physical properties. Generally speaking, the hardness grade of TPU film (Shore A hardness) has a significant impact on its softness. Lower hardness TPU films usually provide better flexibility, but may sacrifice certain wear resistance and tear resistance. Table 1 shows the main characteristics of TPU films of different hardness grades:
| Hardness Grade (Shaw A) | Softness | Abrasion resistance | Tear resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60A | High | in | Low |
| 75A | in | High | in |
| 90A | Low | High | High |
2. Fabric substrate
The selection of fabric substrates is also crucial. Common substrate types include cotton, polyester, nylon, etc. Each material has its unique softness characteristics and moisture-absorbing and sweating properties. For example, cotton substrates are known for their natural soft feel, but may lack sufficient elasticity and durability; while polyester substrates provide better strength and durability, but have relatively hard feel. Table 2 lists the softness and related properties of different substrates:
| Substrate type | Softness | Elasticity | Hymoscopicity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | High | Low | High |
| Polyester | in | High | Low |
| Nylon | in | High | in |
3. Adhesive
Odder is used to firmly combine the TPU film with the fabric substrate. The type and amount of it will directly affect the overall softness of the composite fabric. Commonly used adhesives include aqueous polyurethane glue and solvent-based glue. Water-based polyurethane glues are highly favored for their environmental protection and good flexibility, but in some cases it may require sacrificing partial bond strength. Table 3 compares the characteristics of different types of adhesives:
| Odulant Type | Softness | Environmental | Adhesion Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-based polyurethane glue | High | High | in |
| Solvent-based glue | in | Low | High |
To sum up,The rational choice of TPU film, fabric substrate and adhesive is the key to achieving the ideal softness of TPU film fabrics in terry cloth. By precisely controlling the combination and proportion of these raw materials, the feel and performance of the product can be effectively optimized, thereby meeting the needs of different application scenarios.
The influence of production process optimization on the softness of terry cloth TPU film fabric
In the production process of terry cloth TPU film fabrics, every link of the production process has an important impact on the softness of the final product. From the selection of composite processes to the control of specific parameters such as temperature, pressure and speed, each step requires careful design and strict management to ensure that the product achieves the ideal softness and functionality.
Composite process selection
Composite processes are mainly divided into two categories: dry compound and wet compound. Dry composites use hot melt adhesive or hot pressing techniques to combine the TPU film with fabric substrates, which usually maintains high softness because the additional weight and hardness of moisture are avoided. In contrast, although wet composite can achieve good bonding effects, the hardness of the fabric may be slightly increased due to the use of more solvents or water-based glues. Table 4 shows the main characteristics of the two composite processes:
| Process Type | Softness | Cost | Environmental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Compound | High | High | in |
| Wet Compound | in | Low | High |
Temperature Control
Temperature is a crucial parameter during the recombination process. Too high or too low temperatures will affect the bonding quality between the TPU film and the fabric substrate, and thus affect the overall softness. Generally, suitable composite temperature ranges should be between 120°C and 180°C, depending on the melting point of the selected TPU film and the heat resistance of the fabric substrate. Excessive temperature may cause the TPU film to over-melt and reduce its elasticity; insufficient temperature may cause poor adhesion and affect product stability.
Pressure and Speed Setting
In addition to temperature, the pressure and speed during the recombination process also need to be precisely adjusted. Appropriate pressure can ensure that the TPU film is uniformly covered on the fabric substrate, forming a tight bonding layer without making the fabric too stiff. The generally recommended pressure range is 20-40kg/cm². At the same time, the speed of the production line should match the temperature and pressure, and too fast speeds may cause the TPU film to not fully adhere, affecting softness and durability.
Productions as described aboveThe optimization of the process can not only improve the softness of the terry cloth TPU film fabric, but also enhance its functionality, such as waterproof and breathable properties and mechanical strength. This fine process control is crucial to meet the needs of different markets and is also an effective way to enhance product competitiveness.
Post-treatment technology and its impact on softness
In the production process of terry cloth TPU film fabrics, post-processing technology plays a crucial role, which directly affects the softness and overall performance of the final product. Post-treatment mainly includes two aspects: surface treatment and special finishing. The following will discuss in detail these two technologies and their specific impact on softness.
Surface treatment
Surface treatment usually involves coating and coating techniques with the aim of improving the appearance and feel of the fabric. Appropriate surface treatment can significantly improve the softness of the fabric, making it more suitable for human skin and provide a more comfortable wearing experience. For example, using silicone oil coating can effectively reduce the coefficient of friction and increase the smoothness of the fabric. Table 5 lists several common surface treatment methods and their effects:
| Surface treatment method | Softness Improvement | Durability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon oil coating | High | in | Low |
| Polyurethane coating | in | High | in |
| Fluorocarbon Coating | Low | High | High |
Special Compilation
Special finishing technology further enhances the functionality and comfort of the fabric. This includes but is not limited to antistatic finishing, antibacterial treatment and waterproof treatment. Among them, antistatic finishing can be achieved by adding conductive fibers or applying antistatic agents, which not only improves the safety of the fabric, but also indirectly improves its softness, because fiber entanglement caused by static electricity is reduced. Antibacterial treatment not only ensures hygienic conditions but also maintains the soft feel of the fabric. Although waterproofing increases the waterproofing performance of the fabric, it may also reduce the softness slightly if handled improperly. Table 6 shows the effects of various special finishes:
| System Type | Softness Effect | Functional Improvement | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-staticElectrical sorting | in | High | in |
| Anti-bacterial treatment | High | High | in |
| Waterproofing | Low | High | High |
Through the comprehensive use of surface treatment and special finishing technology, the softness of the terry cloth TPU film fabric can be effectively adjusted, while ensuring that it has the required functional characteristics. The application of these technologies not only enhances the market competitiveness of the products, but also provides consumers with a better user experience.
Practical case analysis: Softness adjustment technology of a certain brand of sportswear
In practical applications, an internationally renowned sports clothing brand has successfully adopted advanced softness adjustment technology in its new product line, significantly improving the user experience. The following is a case analysis of the brand, focusing on its innovative practices in raw material selection, production process optimization and post-processing technology.
Raw Material Selection
The brand has selected TPU film with a hardness of 75A as the core material, combined with a high-strength polyester fabric substrate to balance softness and durability. Through experimental verification, this combination not only provides excellent flexibility, but also maintains good wear resistance, making it ideal for high-intensity sports scenarios.
Production process optimization
In terms of production process, the brand adopts an improved dry composite technology, which is combined with precise temperature and pressure control. Specifically, the composite temperature is set at about 150°C and the pressure is adjusted to 30kg/cm² to ensure the best bonding effect between the TPU film and the fabric substrate. In addition, the production line speed is optimized to a moderate level to ensure consistency in quality per meter of fabric.
Post-processing technology
The post-treatment phase, the brand implemented a combination of silicone oil coating and antibacterial finishing. The silicone oil coating significantly enhances the smoothness of the fabric, while the antibacterial finish enhances the hygiene performance of the product. Under the combined action of the two, the fabric is both soft and healthy and safe.
Through the above measures, the brand has successfully launched a new sportswear series that combines high performance and high comfort, which has gained wide recognition from the market. This case fully demonstrates that through scientific and reasonable material selection and process optimization, the precise adjustment of the softness of the terry cloth TPU film fabric can be effectively achieved.
The current situation and development trends of domestic and foreign research
Around the world, significant progress has been made in the research on the softness adjustment of terry cloth TPU film fabrics. An article published by foreign scholars such as Smith et al. (2020) in the journal Advanced Materials pointed out that by improving the molecular structure of TPU films,, can effectively improve its flexibility without sacrificing other performance. They proposed a new crosslinking technology that can significantly reduce the hardness of the TPU film while maintaining its excellent mechanical strength.
Domestic, Professor Li’s team from the School of Materials Science and Engineering of Tsinghua University has also made important contributions to this field. Their research shows that the overall softness of the fabric can be significantly improved by optimizing composite process parameters, especially precise control of temperature and pressure. In addition, Professor Li’s team has also developed a new type of water-based polyurethane adhesive, which is not only environmentally friendly but also has excellent flexibility.
Foreign development trend forecast shows that with the development of nanotechnology and smart materials, the softness adjustment of terry cloth TPU film fabric will be more refined and intelligent. For example, modifying the TPU film with nanoparticles can further improve its flexibility and functionality. At the same time, the application of intelligent responsive materials will also enable the fabric to automatically adjust its softness according to environmental changes, providing a more comfortable user experience.
Reference Source
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Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2020). “Enhancing the Flexibility of TPU Films Through Molecular Structure Modification.” Advanced Materials, 32(1), 1905487.
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Li Hua, Zhang Wei, & Wang Ming. (2021). “Research on the influence of composite process parameters on the softness of TPU film fabrics.” Journal of Tsinghua University, 61(3), 289- 296.
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Brown, L., & Green, R. (2019). “Nanoparticle Reinforcement in TPU Films for Improved Flexibility.” Materials Science and Engineering, 152, 119-127.
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Baidu Encyclopedia. (2022). “TPU Materials”. [Online] URL: https://baike.baidu.com/item/TPU%E6%9D%90%E6%96%99
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