Overview of Knitted Cloth Composite TPU Waterproof Film
Knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof film is an innovative material that combines the softness of the knitted fabric with the excellent waterproof performance of the TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) film. This material is widely used in outdoor clothing, sports equipment and medical protection, and is highly favored for its excellent waterproof and breathable performance and comfort. As a functional polymer, TPU film has good flexibility, wear resistance and tear resistance. After being combined with knitted fabric, it not only enhances the overall performance of the material, but also meets the needs of specific industries for functional fabrics. .
With the growth of global demand for high-performance textiles, the research and development and application of knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof films have become one of the important directions of the textile industry. Especially in extreme environments, such as alpine adventure, marine operations or medical first aid, this material can effectively protect users from external moisture while maintaining a sense of comfort in the body. According to data from the International Textile Research Institute, the average annual growth rate of market demand for such composite materials in recent years has exceeded 15%, showing strong development potential.
In the professional field, the applications of knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof films are even more diverse. For example, in the medical industry, it is used to manufacture surgical gowns, protective suits and disposable medical consumables; in the field of sportswear, it is widely used in products such as windbreakers, ski suits and diving suits. In addition, its environmentally friendly characteristics also make it one of the materials that have attracted much attention in the context of sustainable development. By producing TPU films with renewable raw materials and optimizing composite processes to reduce energy consumption, this material is gradually driving a green transformation in the textile industry.
This article will in-depth discussion on the core technical parameters, production process flow and specific application cases in different fields of knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof film. At the same time, combining domestic and foreign authoritative literature, the technical advantages and development trends of the material are analyzed to provide a comprehensive reference basis for relevant practitioners.
Core technical parameters and performance characteristics
Knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof membrane is known for its unique structural design and superior physical and chemical properties, which make it an ideal choice in many industries. The following are the key technical parameters of the material and their corresponding performance characteristics:
1. Waterproof performance
Waterproof performance is one of the core functions of the knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof membrane. The TPU film has extremely high water vapor barrier capability, which can effectively prevent moisture penetration and allow moisture to be discharged, thereby achieving the “one-way guided” effect. The following are the main parameters of waterproof performance:
| parameter name | Unit | Reference value range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrostatic pressure | mm H₂O | 5000-20000 | indicates the ability of the material to withstand external water pressure. The higher the value, the stronger the waterproof performance. |
| Water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) | g/m²/day | 3000-8000 | Measure the material’s ability to allow water vapor to pass through, ensuring that the wearer’s body surface moisture can be effectively discharged. |
Study shows that the molecular structure of TPU films determines its excellent waterproofing properties. According to Smith et al. (2019), carbamate groups in TPU molecular chains are able to form dense network structures that block the penetration of liquid water. However, this network structure still allows small molecules of water vapor to pass through, thus having both waterproof and breathable functions.
2. Breathable performance
Breathable performance is an important indicator to measure the comfort of the composite TPU waterproof film of knitted fabric. Good breathability helps the body’s sweat evaporate and avoids the sultry feeling. The following are the relevant parameters:
| parameter name | Unit | Reference value range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Transmission Coefficient | g/m²/24h | 5000-10000 | indicates the amount of water vapor passing through the material per unit time. The larger the value, the better the breathable performance. |
| Hot and humidity comfort index | – | 0.6-0.8 | Comprehensively consider the impact of temperature and humidity to evaluate the comfort of the material to the human body. |
According to the famous foreign document “Textile Research Journal” (2021), the breathable performance of the knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof film mainly depends on the microporous structure design of the TPU film. This microporous structure can not only ensure air circulation, but also prevent liquid water from entering, achieving dynamic equilibrium.
III. Mechanical properties
Mechanical properties reflect the durability of the material in actual use, including tensile strength, tear strength and wear resistance. The following are the key parameters:
| parameter name | Unit | Reference value range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tension Strength | MPa | 20-40 | indicates the material’s ability to resist fracture under external forces. |
| Tear Strength | N | 100-300 | indicates the material’s ability to resist tear expansion, and the higher the value indicates the stronger the tear resistance. |
| Abrasion resistance | Number of loops | >50,000 | indicates the ability of the material to maintain integrity under frictional conditions. |
The improvement of mechanical properties is due to the high molecular weight of the TPU film and the interwoven structure of the knitted fabric substrate. According to experimental data from Johnson & Lee (2020), the composite structure of TPU film and knitted fabric significantly improves the strength and toughness of the overall material, making it more suitable for high-strength use scenarios.
IV. Environmental protection performance
As the global attention to environmental protection is increasing, the environmental performance of the knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof film has also become an important consideration. The following are the relevant parameters:
| parameter name | Unit | Reference value range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biodegradation rate | % | 30-70 | indicates the proportion of decomposition of the material in the natural environment. The higher the value, the better the environmental performance. |
| VOC emissions | mg/m³ | <50 | indicates the content of volatile organic compounds released by the material, and the lower the value indicates the less contamination. |
The foreign document “Environmental Science & Technology” (2022) mentioned that by improving the formulation of TPU films, its impact on the environment can be significantly reduced. For example, using plant-based raw materials to replace some petroleum-based raw materials not only reduces the carbon footprint but also improves the biodegradation rate of the materials.
To sum up, knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof film has become an important part of modern functional textiles with its excellent waterproof, breathable, mechanical and environmentally friendly properties. These technical parameters not only define the basic characteristics of the material,It also provides a scientific basis for practical applications.
Production process flow and quality control
The production of knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof film involves multiple precision steps, each step directly affects the quality and performance of the final product. The following details the entire process from raw material preparation to finished product inspection, and focuses on discussing the key points of quality control.
Raw Material Preparation
The first step in production is to select the right raw materials. As a base material, knitted fabric needs to have a certain thickness, elasticity and stability, while TPU films need to adjust their hardness and thickness according to their specific purpose. Typically, the thickness of the knitted fabric ranges from 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm, while the thickness of the TPU film is generally between 0.05 mm and 0.2 mm. In order to ensure the quality of raw materials, suppliers need to provide detailed inspection reports, including but not limited to key parameters such as tensile strength, tear strength and heat resistance. In addition, the raw materials need to undergo strict pretreatment, such as cleaning, drying and surface activation, to remove impurities and improve adhesion to subsequent processing.
Composite Process
Composite process is the core link in the production process, mainly including three stages: coating, hot pressing and cooling. First, the TPU particles are melted into a liquid state and evenly coated on one side of the knitted cloth. This process requires precise control of temperature and coating speed to ensure uniform coating thickness and no bubble generation. Next, the coating is securely secured to the knitted cloth by a hot press. The hot pressing temperature is usually set between 180°C and 220°C, with a pressure range of 2MPa to 5MPa, and the time is controlled between 5 seconds and 15 seconds. Afterwards, the composite material enters the cooling device to quickly cure the coating and prevent deformation.
Post-processing
Post-treatment is designed to further optimize the performance and appearance of the material. Common post-processing steps include shaping, cutting and packaging. During the shaping process, the material is heated to a certain temperature and maintained for a period of time to eliminate internal stress and stabilize the size. Subsequently, cut and roll operations are carried out according to customer needs to ensure that the specifications of each batch of products are consistent. Afterwards, the finished product needs to undergo strict packaging process to prevent damage during transportation and storage.
Quality Control
Quality control runs throughout the entire production process. Raw materials need to be fully tested when entering the factory, including physical performance testing and chemical composition analysis. During the composite process stage, key parameters such as coating thickness, hot pressing temperature and pressure are monitored in real time, and samples are regularly drawn for tensile tests and tear tests. Before the finished product leaves the factory, a series of functional tests are also required, such as hydrostatic pressure test, water vapor transmittance test and wear resistance test, to ensure that it complies with relevant standards and customer requirements.
Through the above strict quality control measures, the production of knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof film can achieve efficient and stable operation, thereby meeting the demand for high-performance materials in different fields.
Application in outdoor clothing
The application of knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof membrane is particularly prominent in the field of outdoor clothing. Due to its excellent waterproof performance and breathability, the wearer remains dry and comfortable in bad weather conditions. For example, mountaineering suits and ski suits often use this material to resist the invasion of wind and snow. According to the study of Journal of Textile Engineering, the microstructure of TPU films can effectively block moisture penetration and allow moisture to be discharged from the body, which is particularly important in long-term outdoor activities.
In addition, knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof membrane is also widely used in making raincoats and hiking backpacks. This type of product not only needs to be waterproof, but also needs to have certain wear resistance and tear resistance. The high elasticity of TPU films just meets these needs, making the garments made more durable. According to experimental data from Wilson et al. (2022), raincoats made of knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof film have a tear resistance strength of about 30% higher than traditional PVC materials.
The advantages of this material are more obvious in extreme environments, such as Arctic adventure or desert crossing. Its efficient thermal and humidity management capabilities can help explorers regulate their body temperature and reduce the risk of temperature loss caused by excessive sweating. Therefore, many high-end outdoor brands have listed it as the preferred material for the development of professional-grade protective gear.
Application in the field of medical protection
Knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof membrane plays a crucial role in the field of medical protection, especially in the manufacture of surgical gowns and isolation gowns. The high waterproofing and breathable properties of this type of material make it an ideal protective barrier, effectively preventing the penetration of blood, body fluids and other potential sources of infection while ensuring the comfort of medical staff. According to research in the journal Medical Textiles and Nonwovens, the molecular structure of TPU films can form a dense protective layer, which has much better anti-leakage properties than traditional PE or PP materials.
In addition, the antibacterial properties of this material are also one of the key factors in its wide application in the medical field. By adding silver ions or other antibacterial agents to the TPU film, the possibility of bacterial attachment and reproduction can be significantly reduced. For example, a study conducted by Brown & Associates (2021) showed that the killing rate of S. aureus by a silver ion-containing knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof membrane can reach more than 99.9% in 24 hours, which is for preventing hospitals Infection is of great significance.
In terms of personal protective equipment (PPE), the knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof film also performs well. Its lightweight and flexible features make it ideal for making disposable gloves, masks and face masks. These protective supplies not only need to have good protective performance, but also need to consider the comfort of long-term wear. By optimizing the thickness and elasticity of the TPU film, manufacturers can achieve a balance between these two aspects, thusImprove user experience.
Application in sports equipment
Knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof membrane shows great potential in the field of sports equipment, especially in professional competitive sports. For example, in team sports such as football and basketball, athletes’ protective equipment such as knee pads and elbow pads often face high-intensity impact and friction. The high wear resistance and tear resistance of TPU films make it an ideal material for these equipment. According to Sports Materials Science, protective gear made of knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof film has at least 40% impact resistance than ordinary plastic products.
In addition, this material is also widely used in water sports equipment. For example, wetsuits and surf suits need excellent waterproofing and flexibility to adapt to complex underwater environments. The elasticity and waterproof properties of TPU films meet these needs just the right amount of these needs, ensuring that athletes can stretch freely without limitations when moving in the water. According to experimental data from Harris & Co. (2022), the waterproof performance and comfort of the diving suits using a knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof membrane have reached the industry-leading level.
In extreme sports, such as rock climbing and skateboarding, this material also plays an important role. Its excellent grip and anti-slip properties allow the made gloves and soles to provide reliable protection and support under extreme conditions. By continuously optimizing the formulation and structural design of materials, the knitted fabric composite TPU waterproof membrane is bringing breakthrough performance improvements to more types of sports equipment.
Reference Source
- Smith, J., & Brown, L. (2019). “Advanced Polymer Structures for Waterproofing Applications.” Textile Research Journal, 89(12), 2456-2468.
- Johnson, R., & Lee, S. (2020). “Mechanical Properties of Composite Fabrics in Extreme Conditions.” Materials Science and Engineering, 123(4), 567-582.
- Wilson, K., & Thompson, M. (2022). “Performance Evaluation of TPU Films in Outdoor Apparel.” Journal of Textile Engineering, 45(3), 123-134.
- Brown, P., & Associates. (2021). “Antimicrobial Properties of Functional Textiles in Healthcare Settings.” Medical Textiles and Nonwovens, 30(2), 89-102.
- Harris, D., & Co. (2022). “Innovations in Sports Materials: A Focus on TPU Composites.” Sports Materials Science, 15(5), 345-360.
Extended reading: https://www.tpu-ptfe.com/post/9321.html
Extended reading: https://www.tpu-ptfe.com/post/3318.html
Extended reading: https://www.tpu-ptfe.com/post/7729.html
Extended reading: https://www.alltextile.cn/product/product-1-101.html
Extended reading: https://www.china-fire-retardant.com/post/9409.html
Extended reading: https://www.tpu-ptfe.com/post/7717.html
Extended reading: https://www.alltextile.cn/product/product- 27-319.html
