Revealing the elastic recovery technology of terry cloth TPU film fabric

Overview of elastic recovery technology of towel cloth TPU film fabric

Torp TPU film fabric is an innovative product that combines traditional textile technology and modern polymer materials science. Its core lies in achieving excellent elastic recovery performance through the composite structure of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) film and fabric substrate. This fabric not only has the soft touch and moisture absorption of traditional terry cloth, but also shows excellent elasticity and durability due to the existence of TPU film. It is widely used in sportswear, household products and high-end functional fabrics.

Elastic recovery technology is one of the core competitiveness of this type of fabric, and its principle is mainly based on the molecular chain structural characteristics of TPU materials. The TPU is composed of alternately hard segments and soft segments, which impart high strength and wear resistance to the material, while the soft segments provide flexibility and elasticity. When subjected to external forces, the TPU molecular chain will deform, but when the external forces are removed, the soft segment can quickly return to its initial state, thus realizing the “memory” function. This feature allows the terry cloth TPU film fabric to maintain its original shape after repeated stretching or compression, significantly extending the service life.

In addition, the application of elastic recovery technology not only improves the functionality of the fabric, but also optimizes its comfort. For example, in sportswear, this fabric can fit the human body curves and stretch freely with the movement, while quickly recovering and reducing the sense of restraint; in household items, it can effectively prevent wrinkles and deformations and improve the user experience. This article will conduct in-depth discussions on the elastic recovery technology of terry cloth TPU film fabrics, including its production process, key parameters, testing methods and application prospects, and analyze them in combination with authoritative domestic and foreign literature, striving to present a comprehensive technical interpretation to readers.

Structural characteristics of TPU film and its impact on elastic recovery

TPU film, as a key component of the terry cloth TPU film fabric, its unique molecular structure and physical properties directly determine the elastic recovery ability of the fabric. TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a block copolymer composed of alternate hard and soft segments, and its chemical structure imparts its excellent mechanical properties and elastic recovery. The following are the main structural characteristics of the TPU membrane and its specific impact on elastic recovery:

1. Mechanism of action between hard segments and soft segments

TPU molecular chain consists of a hard segment (usually a rigid segment generated by reaction of diisocyanate and chain extender) and a soft segment (mostly a flexible segment formed by polyols). The hard segment forms a micro-phase separation structure through hydrogen bonding, which plays a role in strengthening strength and setting, while the soft segment gives the TPU good flexibility and elasticity. Under the action of external forces, the soft segment can undergo reversible deformation, while the hard segment limits excessive deformation, ensuring that the material quickly returns to its original state after removing the external force.

2. The impact of microstructure on elastic recovery

The microphase separation between the hard segment aggregation area and the soft segment dispersion area is present in the microstructure of the TPU film. This structure allows the TPU to exhibit nonlinear elastic behavior when under stress: the soft segment area absorbs energy and produces deformation, while the hard segment area transmits stress through the hydrogen bond network, thereby achieving efficient energy dissipation and recovery. Studies have shown that the elastic recovery rate of TPU film is closely related to its hard segment content. Generally speaking, the higher the hard segment content, the greater the elastic modulus of the TPU, but an excessively high hard segment ratio will reduce its flexibility.

3. Influence of temperature on TPU elastic recovery

The elastic recovery performance of the TPU is also significantly affected by the ambient temperature. Under low temperature conditions, the activity of the TPU molecular chain decreases, resulting in a slowdown in elastic recovery; while under high temperature conditions, although the activity of the molecular chain increases, excessive thermal expansion may lead to permanent deformation. Therefore, the design of the TPU film needs to comprehensively consider the temperature range of the use scenario to optimize its elastic recovery performance.

4. The relationship between TPU film thickness and elastic recovery

The thickness of the TPU film also directly affects its elastic recovery performance. Thinner TPU films have higher flexibility and faster recovery speeds, but may not have enough tear resistance; while thicker TPU films are more durable, but local deformation may be difficult to complete due to uneven internal stress distribution. recover. In practical applications, the thickness of the TPU film is usually controlled between 0.05mm and 0.2mm to balance elastic recovery performance with mechanical strength.

To sum up, the structural characteristics of the TPU film determine the elastic recovery of the terry cloth TPU film fabricKey factors in complex performance. By regulating the ratio of hard segments to soft segments, optimizing the microstructure design and choosing the appropriate film thickness, the elastic recovery ability of the TPU film can be significantly improved, thereby meeting the needs of different application scenarios.

Influence of production technology on elastic recovery performance of towel cloth TPU film fabric

The production of terry cloth TPU film fabric involves multiple complex steps, and each link has an important impact on the elastic recovery performance of the final product. The following discusses in detail how these factors shape the elastic recovery characteristics of fabrics from four aspects: raw material selection, composite process, heat treatment and surface treatment.

1. Raw material selection

The quality of the raw material of the TPU film directly determines the basic performance of the fabric. High-quality TPU resins should have high purity and stable molecular weight distribution, which helps to form a uniform microstructure, thereby improving elastic recovery efficiency. In addition, the choice of fiber substrate is equally important, and appropriate cotton, polyester or other synthetic fibers need to be selected according to the purpose. For example, cotton fiber is often used to make household terry cloths due to its natural softness and hygroscopicity, while polyester fiber is more suitable for sportswear due to its high strength and durability.

2. Composite process

Composite process is a key step in combining the TPU film with the fiber substrate. Commonly used composite methods include coating method, lamination method and melt extrusion method. Among them, the coating method is suitable for the production of light and light fabrics by coating liquid TPU onto a fiber substrate; the lamination method binds the TPU film to the fiber substrate through hot pressing, and is suitable for products requiring higher mechanical strength; The extrusion method uses high temperature to melt the TPU and directly combine it with the fiber substrate, which is suitable for mass production.

3. Heat treatment

The heat treatment process is crucial to stabilize the molecular structure of the TPU membrane. Appropriate heat treatment can eliminate internal stress and improve the crystallinity of the TPU film, thereby enhancing its elastic recovery performance. However, too high temperatures or too long time may cause the TPU to age or degrade, which will in turn reduce its performance. Therefore, the temperature and time of heat treatment must be strictly controlled, usually in the range of 120°C to 180°C for a duration of 10 to 30 minutes.

4. Surface treatment

After

, the surface treatment can further optimize the elastic recovery performance of the fabric. For example, through plasma treatment or chemical modification, a nano-scale protective layer can be formed on the surface of the TPU film, reducing friction and wear and extending fabric life. In addition, some surface treatments can also impart waterproof and anti-fouling functions to improve their comprehensive performance.

To sum up, from raw material selection to final surface treatment, each production link has a profound impact on the elastic recovery performance of terry cloth TPU film fabric. Accurate control of these process parameters not only ensures that the fabric achieves the expected elastic recovery effect, but also expands its application range.

Testing standards and evaluation methods for elastic recovery performance

In order to accurately evaluate the elastic recovery performance of terry cloth TPU film fabrics, a series of standardized testing methods have been formulated internationally, covering multiple dimensions such as tensile, compression, fatigue and dynamic mechanical properties. The following will introduce these test methods and their specific implementation steps in detail, and compare the differences in results under different test conditions through experimental data.

1. Tension Test

Tension testing is one of the common methods to evaluate elastic recovery performance, aiming to measure the deformation and recovery ability of a material under uniaxial tensile loads. According to ASTM D638 (American Society for Materials and Testing Standards) or ISO 527 (International Organization for Standardization Standards), the test is usually performed at room temperature, with the sample being fixed at both ends of the fixture, and a gradually increasing tension is applied until it breaks. Record the large tensile strength and elongation at break, and observe the rebound after unloading.

2. Compression Test

Compression test is mainly used to evaluate the deformation characteristics of materials under vertical pressure and their recovery ability. According to the standards of ASTM D575 or ISO 746, the sample is placed between two parallel plates and a pressure is applied gradually until a predetermined deformation variable is set. Record the force change curve during compression and calculate the height recovery ratio after unloading.

3. Fatiency Test

Fatility test simulates repeated stretching or compression cycles in actual use to evaluate the stability of long-term use of the material. According to the standards of ASTM D3574 or ISO 13935, samples undergo thousands of cycles of loading at set frequency and amplitude. Record the size changes and performance decay after each cycle.

4. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)

Dynamic mechanical analysis reveals its viscoelastic behavior by measuring the energy storage modulus, loss modulus and loss factors of materials at different temperatures and frequencies. According to the standards of ASTM D4065 or ISO 6721, the samples are tested under oscillating stress to obtain a complete temperature-frequency response curve.

Through the above test methods, researchers can fully understand the elastic recovery performance of terry cloth TPU film fabrics, and optimize their design and manufacturing processes through experimental data analysis. For example, a research team compared the tensile test results of different TPU film thicknesses and found that the 0.1mm thickness TPU film performed well in terms of elongation and rebound rate of break, while the 0.2mm thickness film had more compression strength Advantages.

The performance of elastic recovery technology in practical application

Towel cloth TPU film fabric has demonstrated a wide range of application value in many fields with its excellent elastic recovery performance. The following will focus on its specific performance in the fields of sportswear, household goods and medical protection.

1. Sportswear

In the field of sportswear, the elastic recovery performance of terry cloth TPU film fabrics is particularly outstanding. This fabric fits closely with the human body while allowing free stretching and reducing the feeling of restraint during exercise. For example, a study of professional athletes showed that sportswear with TPU membrane composite fabric performed well in high-intensity training, not only improving wearer comfort but also significantly reducing the incidence of muscle fatigue. In addition, the waterproof and breathable properties of the TPU membrane make it ideal for outdoor sportswear, especially in harsh weather conditions.

2. Household Products

In the field of household goods, TPU film fabrics have won the market for their wrinkle resistance and durability. Especially in products such as bedding and curtains, this fabric can effectively prevent deformation caused by frequent washing and use. A consumer survey showed that more than 85% of users expressed satisfaction with their wrinkle resistance, believing that this greatly reduced the need for ironingsex. In addition, the antibacterial properties of TPU membranes also make it an ideal choice for healthy homes, especially suitable for family members with allergic constitutions.

3. Medical Protection

In the field of medical protection, the application of TPU film fabrics is mainly concentrated in surgical gowns and protective suits. Its high elastic recovery ensures that healthcare workers can remain comfortable during prolonged work, while its waterproof and antiviral properties provide the necessary safety barrier. A study published in Journal of Applied Polymer Science pointed out that TPU membrane composites can maintain their physical properties after multiple disinfection cycles, showing extremely high durability.

From the above analysis, it can be seen that the terry cloth TPU film fabric has demonstrated its unique technical advantages in applications in different fields and meets diverse needs.

The current situation and future development trends of domestic and foreign research

In recent years, research on elastic recovery technology of towel cloth TPU film fabrics has made significant progress, but it also faces many challenges. Foreign scholars such as Smith et al. (2020) proposed a new TPU molecular structure design method in his article published in Polymer Journal, which significantly improves the elastic recovery performance of the material by adjusting the ratio of soft and hard segments. Domestic research institutions such as the Department of Textile Engineering of Tsinghua University focus on optimizing composite processes and have developed more environmentally friendly and efficient production technologies. However, there are still several problems that need to be solved in the current technology: first, the aging problem of TPU membrane, long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays and oxygen will lead to performance degradation; second, the production cost is relatively high, which limits its large-scale application.

The future development trend is expected to focus on the following aspects: First, develop new TPU materials to improve their weather resistance and sustainability by introducing nanofillers or biobased components; Second, improve production processes and utilize intelligence The equipment achieves more accurate parameter control, reducing energy consumption and waste rate; the third is to expand the application field and explore the intelligent wear of TPU membranesPotential uses in high-end fields such as Dai and aerospace. With the advancement of technology and the growth of market demand, the elastic recovery technology of terry cloth TPU film fabrics is expected to usher in a broader development space.

Reference Source

1. Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020). Advances in TPU Film Technology for Textile Applications. Polymer Journal, 52(3), 215-228.
2. Zhang, W., & Li, X. (2021). Optimization of Composite Processes for TPU-Coated Fabrics. Journal of Textile Engineering, 47(2), 112-125.
3. ASTM D638. Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics.
4. ISO 527. Plastics — Determination of Tensile Properties.
5. Baidu Encyclopedia. (2023). TPU Material Entry. [Online Resources].

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