Textile Coatings: Transforming Fabrics with Durability and Performance
Textile coatings are polymer-based formulations applied to fabric substrates to impart specific functional properties beyond their inherent characteristics. This process involves laminating or directly applying a liquid or semi-liquid compound—such as polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)—to one or both sides of a textile. The coating then cures or dries to form a continuous film that adheres to the fabric's surface. The primary purpose of this layer is to alter the fabric's performance, creating a composite material engineered for specialized applications. Common properties conferred by coatings include waterproofness, wind resistance, flame retardancy, and enhanced durability or abrasion resistance. The choice of polymer and application method is critical, as it determines the final hand-feel, breathability, flexibility, and overall performance of the coated textile.
The applications for coated textiles are vast and diverse, spanning numerous industries. In consumer goods, they are the technology behind waterproof and breathable rainwear and…