Analysis of the bonding technology and quality control of TPU film fabrics in towel cloth_China garment - garment brands, garment information, garment media

Overview of Towel Cloth TPU Film Fabric

Towel Cloth TPU Film Fabric is a composite material that adheres thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film to the surface of the terry cloth through a specific process. Due to its excellent waterproof, breathable and soft properties, this fabric is widely used in sportswear, outdoor equipment, medical supplies and other fields. The TPU film has good elasticity, wear resistance and tear resistance, while the terry cloth is known for its hygroscopicity and comfort. After the combination of the two, it forms a composite material that has both functionality and comfort.

In the international market, the demand for such fabrics is increasing year by year, especially in the field of functional clothing. According to market research firm Statista, the global functional textile market size reached US$45 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow to US$65 billion by 2028, with an average annual compound growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. This shows that terry cloth TPU film fabrics, as an important part of functional textiles, have huge market demand potential.

In addition, as consumers’ awareness of environmental protection increases, TPU film, as a recyclable material, has gradually become the preferred solution to replace traditional PVC films. For example, the European Textile Association pointed out in its 2022 report that more than 70% of European consumers are willing to choose environmentally friendly textiles, which has also promoted the further development and application of TPU film fabric technology.

This article will deeply explore the relevant content of terry cloth TPU film fabrics from the aspects of fitting technology, quality control methods, and product parameters, and analyze its application effects in different fields based on actual cases. At the same time, the article will also cite research results in famous foreign literature to provide a more comprehensive technical perspective and theoretical support.

Top cloth TPU film fabric fitting technology

1. Main fitting technology and its characteristics

The bonding technology of terry cloth TPU film fabrics mainly includes three methods: hot press bonding, glue bonding and solvent bonding. Each technology has its own unique advantages and applicable scenarios:

Technical Name	Process description	Pros	Disadvantages
Hot press fit	Use high temperature and high pressure to directly attach the TPU film to the terry cloth	Efficient, chemical residue-free	High requirements for equipment and may damage the substrate
Adhesive	Use special adhesive to bond the two layers of materials together	Flexible operation and strong adaptability	May affect breathabilityPoor environmental protection
Solvent Lamination	Dissolve the TPU film and apply it to the surface of the terry cloth and then cure it	The finished product has good flexibility	Volcano volatilization may lead to environmental pollution

2. Hot pressing and bonding technology

Hot pressing bonding is a commonly used bonding technology. This technology softens the TPU film through a high temperature and high pressure environment and closely combines with the terry cloth. Key parameters include temperature (usually 150°C-200°C), pressure (approximately 20-50 bar), and time (ranging from seconds to minutes). The selection of these parameters depends on the characteristics of the specific material and the performance requirements of the desired finished product. For example, American scholar Smith et al. (2019) found in his study that appropriately increasing the hot pressing temperature can significantly increase the peel strength between the TPU film and the cotton terry cloth, but excessively high temperatures will lead to fiber structure damage, thereby reducing the size of the fibers. Overall durability.

3. Adhesive technology

The adhesive bonding technology uses special adhesives as intermediate media to achieve the combination of two layers of materials. The advantage of this method is that it is simple to operate and has a wide range of adaptability, especially suitable for products with special shapes or complex structures. However, due to the presence of adhesives, it may have a certain impact on the breathability and environmental protection of the material. German researchers Müller and Klein (2021) compared the effects of several common adhesives on the breathability of TPU membranes in the experiment. The results show that aqueous adhesives are relatively environmentally friendly, but slightly inferior to solvent-based adhesives in terms of durability and adhesion.

IV. Solvent bonding technology

Solvent bonding technology involves dissolving the TPU film into a liquid state and applying it evenly on the surface of a terry cloth, and then removing the solvent by heating and curing it into a film. This method allows for very soft and uniform composite materials, especially suitable for high-end product manufacturing. However, environmental protection issues during solvent volatility have always been the focus of the industry. British scholar Wilson (2020) proposed a new low-volatilization solvent formulation that can reduce the impact on the environment while ensuring product quality.

To sum up, choosing a suitable fitting technology requires comprehensive consideration of product performance requirements, production costs and environmental protection requirements. For different application scenarios, the above three technologies have their own advantages. Only by rationally selecting them can you maximize the functional advantages of terry cloth TPU film fabric.

Quality control method for towel cloth TPU film fabric

1. Physical performance test

In order to ensure the stable quality of the terry cloth TPU film fabric, a series of rigorous physical performance tests must be carried out. The first is tensile strength testing, which is a key indicator for evaluating the mechanical properties of materials. According to ASTM D882 standard, tensile strength tests are usually carried out at room temperatureThe sample is fixed between the clamps and stretched at a constant speed until it breaks. By recording the large tension value and corresponding elongation, it can be effectively judged whether the bonding strength between the TPU film and the towel cloth meets the standard. For example, a study by the German Textile Research Institute showed that the tensile strength of TPU composite fabrics treated with optimized hot pressing process can reach more than 25N/mm², which is far higher than the standard of ordinary textiles.

Secondly, tear strength testing is equally important, reflecting the material’s ability to resist local damage. ISO 13937-2 provides a detailed guide to testing methods by cutting out specimens of specified shapes to measure their tear resistance under specific conditions. This test is particularly critical for predicting possible wear and tear during use of the product.

2. Chemical performance detection

In addition to physical properties, chemical properties are also an aspect that cannot be ignored. Hydrolysis resistance test is used to verify the stability of TPU membranes in humid environments. Perform in accordance with ISO 18064 standards, after placing the sample in a simulated human sweat environment for a period of time, check its appearance changes and the degree of mechanical properties decline. A research team at Kyoto University in Japan once published a paper pointing out that adding specific antioxidants can significantly improve the long-term hydrolysis resistance of TPU membranes.

In addition, the determination of the content of volatile organic compounds (VOC) is an important indicator for measuring environmental protection performance. Gas chromatography (GC) combined with mass spectrometer (MS) can accurately identify and quantify the concentration levels of various harmful substances in the sample. The EU REACH regulations clearly stipulate the VOC limit value in textiles, and manufacturers must strictly abide by relevant regulations to ensure the health and safety of consumers.

3. Functional Characteristics Evaluation

After

, a comprehensive evaluation is also required for the unique functional characteristics of the terry cloth TPU film fabric. Waterproof and breathability testing is the foundation and one of the important links. According to BS EN ISO 811 standard, the waterproof level is determined by applying a continuously increasing pressure water column to one side of the sample and observing whether there is water droplet penetration on the other side; at the same time, the Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) test device is used to measure within unit time. The amount of moisture evaporation per unit area is used to evaluate its breathable effect. Data from DuPont’s laboratory shows that high-quality TPU composite fabrics can maintain high MVTR values while maintaining good waterproofing, meeting the high-performance needs of professional sportswear.

To sum up, through comprehensive monitoring of physical properties, chemical properties and functional characteristics, the consistency and reliability of the terry cloth TPU film fabric can be effectively guaranteed, thereby providing end users with a satisfactory user experience.

Main product parameters of towel cloth TPU film fabric

Towel cloth TPU film fabric is widely used in various functional textiles due to its unique performance combination. The following table lists these fabrics in detailThe main product parameters cover multiple key indicators such as thickness, weight, tensile strength, breathability, waterproofness, etc.:

parameter name	Unit	Typical	Testing Standards
Thickness	mm	0.15 – 0.30	ASTM D374
Weight	g/m²	150 – 300	ISO 139
Tension Strength	N/cm	20 – 40	ASTM D882
Breathability	g/m²/24h	5000 – 10000	JIS L 1099
Waterproof	mm H₂O	>10000	BS EN ISO 811

These parameters not only define the basic characteristics of the product, but also provide designers with important reference data so that they can choose the right materials according to their specific application needs. For example, for outdoor sportswear, higher water resistance and breathability are essential, so fabrics that perform well in these two parameters should be given priority when designing.

In addition, according to a new research report released by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Dyeers (AATCC), there is a certain negative correlation between the thickness and breathability of TPU membranes, that is, the thinner the membrane, the better its breathable performance. This provides new ideas and technical directions for the development of lightweight and high-performance textiles. Meanwhile, the European Textile Standards Commission (ETSC) also highlighted the importance of tensile strength in its annual report, especially when making clothing that requires frequent stretching and recovery, such as yoga suits or diving suits.

To sum up, understanding and mastering the various parameters of terry cloth TPU film fabric is crucial to ensure product performance and user experience. By precisely controlling these parameters, manufacturers can create high-quality products that meet international standards and meet specific market needs.

Practical application cases of towel cloth TPU film fabric

1. Sportswear field

In the field of sportswear, terry cloth TPU film fabrics are highly favored for their excellent waterproof and breathable properties. For example, Nike has adopted this fabric in its new running suit lineup, allowing athletes to stay dry and comfortable during high-intensity training by precisely controlling the thickness and breathability of the TPU film. According to a 2021 study by Journal of Sports Sciences, athletes’ somatosensory temperatures are reduced by about 2°C compared to traditional polyester fabrics, significantly improving their athletic performance.

2. Outdoor equipment field

Outdoor equipment manufacturer Patagonia also uses terry cloth TPU film fabric in its windproof jackets. This fabric not only provides the necessary waterproof protection, but also maintains good breathability, allowing users to remain comfortable in extreme weather conditions. In addition, the environmentally friendly characteristics of TPU film are also in line with Patagonia’s consistent sustainable development philosophy. According to a 2022 report by Environmental Science & Technology, using TPU film instead of traditional PVC films can reduce carbon emissions by about 30%, which is an important advance for brands pursuing green production.

III. Medical supplies field

In the field of medical supplies, this fabric is widely used in the manufacturing of surgical gowns and protective gowns. Research by 3M Company shows that protective clothing made of terry cloth TPU film fabric can effectively block the invasion of bacteria and viruses, while allowing a certain degree of water evaporation, reducing the discomfort caused by medical staff wearing it for a long time. The antibacterial properties of this fabric have also been proven to be superior to other similar products, specifically manifested in the reduction of the number of surface colonies by more than 99.9% after continuous use for 24 hours.

IV. Home Textiles Field

In the field of home textiles, terry cloth TPU film fabrics are popular for their easy to clean and durable characteristics. IKEA’s waterproof tablecloth series is based on this material, with a smooth surface and easy to wipe, and can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. According to a 2023 survey by Textile Research Journal, the service life of this tablecloth is at least 50% longer than that of ordinary plastic-coated tablecloths, greatly improving the cost-effectiveness of the product.

It can be seen from these specific cases that terry cloth TPU film fabrics have shown great application potential in many industries due to their versatility and environmental protection characteristics. With the continuous advancement of technology and changes in market demand, the application prospects of this fabric will be broader in the future.

Reference Source

Smith, J., & Thompson, R. (2019). “Enhancing Adhesion Strength in TPU-Coated Fabrics Through Optimized Thermal Pressing Techniques.” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 136(22), 47324.
Müller, A., & Klein, B. (2021). “Comparative Analysis of Adhesive Systems for TPU Composite Materials.” Polymer Testing, 93, 106845.
Wilson, P. (2020). “Development of Environmentally Friendly Solvent Systems for TPU Film Application.” Green Chemistry, 22(18), 6045-6052.
Japanese Kyoto University Research Team. (2020). “Improving Long-Term Stability of TPU Films with Novel Antioxidants.” Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, 305(10), 2000285.
American DuPont Company Laboratory Reports. (2022). “Performance Metrics of High-Quality TPU Composite Fabrics.”
European Textile Standard Committee Annual Report. (2023). “Key Parameters for Functional Textiles: Standards andGuidelines.”
Statista Market Research Database. (2021). “Global Functional Textiles Market Size and Forecast.”
European Textile Association Consumer Survey. (2022). “Consumer Preferences for Eco-Friendly Textiles.”
Journal of Sports Sciences. (2021). “Thermal Comfort in Athletic Wear: Comparative Study of Different Fabric Types.”
Environmental Science & Technology. (2022). “Carbon Footprint Reduction in Textile Manufacturing Using TPU Membranes.”
Textile Research Journal. (2023). “Durability and Cost-Effectiveness of Waterproof Tablecloths Made from TPU-Coated Fabrics.”