Innovative application of TPU film composite leather fabric in medical protective equipment

Introduction

Medical protective equipment plays a crucial role in modern medicine, especially in the face of public health emergencies, and its importance is self-evident. With the increase in global demand for infectious disease prevention and control and the increase in attention to the safety of medical staff and patients, traditional protective materials are gradually exposed. For example, traditional protective clothing often has poor breathability, low wear comfort, and is prone to electrostatic adsorption of contaminants, resulting in an increased risk of secondary infection. Therefore, it is urgent to find a new type of protective material that is more efficient and safer.

TPU film composite leather fabric, as an emerging material, has attracted widespread attention in the field of medical protective equipment due to its unique performance and wide application prospects. TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a polymer material with high elasticity and excellent mechanical properties, while composite leather fabrics combine the natural texture of leather with the high strength properties of synthetic fibers. Combining these two materials not only improves the physical properties of the protective equipment, but also gives it better biocompatibility and antibacterial functions. This innovative application not only significantly improves the protective effect, but also improves the wearable experience and reduces the work burden of medical staff.

In recent years, well-known foreign literature such as Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine and Advanced Functional Materials have reported on the research progress of TPU film composite leather fabrics and their application cases in medical protective equipment. These studies provide theoretical support and technical guidance for the practical application of this material. This article will discuss the product parameters, manufacturing processes and performance characteristics of TPU film composite leather fabric in detail, and quote relevant literature for analysis, aiming to provide reference for the innovative development of medical protective equipment.

Manufacturing process of TPU film composite leather fabric

The manufacturing process of TPU film composite leather fabric involves multiple steps, each step is crucial to ensure high quality and high performance of the final product. The following is the detailed manufacturing process:

1. Raw material preparation

First, high-quality TPU particles are selected as the substrate, and these particles need to have good fluidity, chemical corrosion resistance and anti-aging properties. At the same time, specially treated leather fabrics are used to make their surface smooth and have a certain elasticity, which is convenient for subsequent composite processing. Common leather fabrics include natural leather such as cowhide and sheepskin, as well as artificial leather such as polyurethane.

2. Extrusion molding

After heating and melting the TPU particles through an extruder, a uniform film is formed. This process requires precise control of temperature and pressure to ensure consistent film thickness and bubble-free. The TPU film after extrusion is usually between 0.1-0.5 mm thick, depending on the application requirements. According to JournAl of Applied Polymer Science studies, suitable temperature ranges from 180°C to 230°C, which can effectively avoid material degradation and maintain its excellent performance.

3. Composite process

The next is the key composite process, which tightly combines the TPU film with the leather fabric. Commonly used composite methods include hot pressing, solvent bonding and ultrasonic welding. Among them, the hot pressing method is common, and the interfaces of the two materials are fully fused through high temperature and high pressure to form a firm connection. The hot pressing temperature is generally set between 140°C and 160°C, the pressure is 2-5 MPa, and the time is about 10-30 seconds. Studies have shown that appropriate pressure and time can significantly increase the bond strength between composite layers (reference: Polymer Engineering & Science).

4. Surface treatment

In order to further improve the performance of TPU film composite leather fabric, surface treatment is also required. For example, using plasma treatment technology can introduce polar groups on the surface of the material to enhance its hydrophilicity and antistatic properties. In addition, coating an antibacterial coating is also a common method, which can effectively inhibit bacterial reproduction and extend service life. A study in Biomaterials showed that antibacterial treatment of TPU membrane composite leather fabrics showed excellent antibacterial effects in actual use, significantly reducing the risk of cross infection.

5. Quality inspection

After

, the finished product needs to undergo strict quality inspection to ensure that all indicators meet the standards. Testing items include tensile strength, tear strength, wear resistance, moisture permeability, etc. According to relevant standards such as ISO 13485 and ASTM D751, each batch of products must be sampled and tested, and only qualified products can be put into the market. Quality control is not only the key to ensuring product performance, but also an important part of ensuring user safety.

To sum up, the manufacturing process of TPU film composite leather fabric is complex and fine, and every step needs to be strictly controlled. Through scientific and reasonable process design and advanced production technology, the finally produced TPU film composite leather fabric not only has excellent physical properties, but also has good biocompatibility and antibacterial functions, laying the foundation for the innovative application of medical protective equipment. Solid foundation.

Main performance parameters of TPU film composite leather fabric

TPU film composite leather fabric stands out in the field of medical protective equipment with its unique performance parameters. The following table summarizes the main performance parameters of the material and compares them with traditional protective materials to demonstrate its advantages more intuitively.

1. Thickness

TPU film composite leather fabric is thinner, usually between 0.1-0.5 mm, which not only reduces the overall weight, but also increases flexibility and makes wearable more comfortable. In contrast, traditional protective materials are thicker, increasing the burden on the wearer.

2. Tensile strength

The tensile strength of TPU film composite leather fabric is as high as more than 20 MPa, far exceeding the 15 MPa of traditional protective materials. This means that it is not prone to break when subjected to external forces, and has higher durability and safety.

3. Tear strength

In terms of tear strength, the TPU film composite leather fabric reaches 50 N, while the traditional material is only 30 N. This specialThe properties ensure that the material will not be easily damaged during long-term use, thereby extending its service life.

4. Moisture permeability

Moisture permeability is an important indicator for measuring the breathability of protective materials. The moisture permeability of TPU film composite leather fabric is as high as 5000 g/m²·24h, which is much higher than the 3000 g/m²·24h of traditional materials. High moisture permeability means the wearer can remain dry while sweating, reducing discomfort caused by stuffy heat.

5. Wear resistance

TPU film composite leather fabric has a wear resistance of 100,000 cycles, while traditional materials can only reach 50,000 times. Excellent wear resistance not only improves the service life of the material, but also reduces the replacement frequency and saves costs.

6. Antibacterial properties

Anti-bacterial properties are an indispensable and important feature of medical protective equipment. The antibacterial rate of TPU film composite leather fabric to Staphylococcus aureus reached 99.9%, while the traditional materials are only 90%. This significant difference shows that TPU film composite leather fabric has obvious advantages in preventing bacterial spread.

7. Flame retardant performance

The limit oxygen index (LOI) of TPU film composite leather fabric is greater than 28, which is a flame-retardant material, while the LOI of traditional materials is less than 24, which is a flammable material. High flame retardant performance ensures that protective equipment does not become a fire source in emergency situations, increasing safety.

8. Breathability

TPU film composite leather fabric has excellent breathability, so that the wearer will not feel stuffy during long-term wear. On the contrary, traditional materials have poor breathability, which can easily lead to skin discomfort.

9. Anti-static performance

The surface resistance value of TPU film composite leather fabric is less than 10^7 Ω, and it has good anti-static properties, effectively preventing static absorption of dust and other pollutants, and reducing the risk of secondary pollution. The surface resistance value of traditional materials is high, which is prone to static electricity, increasing the possibility of pollution.

To sum up, TPU film composite leather fabric is superior to traditional protective materials in various performance parameters, and its superior physical properties and functionality provide strong support for the innovative application of medical protective equipment.

Application of TPU film composite leather fabric in different medical scenarios

TPU film composite leather fabrics show great application potential in a variety of medical scenarios with their excellent performance. The following will introduce its specific application in operating rooms, isolation wards, emergency centers and field medical environments in detail.

1. Operating room

The operating room is one of the areas in the hospital that require high sterile environment. Traditional surgical gowns mostly use disposable non-woven fabrics or PVC materials, which have problems such as poor breathability and easy tear, which affects surgical efficiency and doctor comfort. TPU film composite leather fabricUse completely changed this situation. Its high moisture permeability and good breathability ensure the doctor’s dryness and comfort during the operation, reducing the inconvenience caused by sweat soaking. At the same time, the high tensile strength and tear strength of the TPU membrane effectively prevent accidental damage of the surgical gown during operation and ensure the smooth progress of the operation. In addition, TPU membrane composite leather fabric has excellent antibacterial properties, which can effectively inhibit bacterial growth and reduce the risk of postoperative infection. According to a study by Journal of Surgical Research, surgical gowns made of TPU membrane composite leather fabrics still maintain high cleanliness and protective effects after multiple surgeries.

2. Isolation Ward

Isolation wards are used to treat patients with infectious diseases, and protective equipment is required to have efficient barrier properties and antibacterial capabilities. The high flame retardancy and antibacterial properties of TPU membrane composite leather fabric make it an ideal isolation garment material. Its surface has been specially treated and has good antistatic properties, which can effectively prevent virus adhesion and spread. Especially in response to sudden outbreaks, the rapid response ability and easy cleaning and disinfection of TPU film composite leather fabrics are particularly important. A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control shows that isolation suits made of TPU film composite leather fabric have shown excellent protective effects during the fight against the new coronavirus, significantly reducing the probability of infection among medical staff.

3. First Aid Center

The environment of the emergency center is complex and varied, and protective equipment requires high flexibility and durability. The lightweight design and high-strength characteristics of TPU film composite leather fabric perfectly meet this requirement. Its wear resistance and tear resistance allow first responders to maintain the integrity of protective equipment in high-strength working environments. At the same time, the high moisture permeability of the TPU membrane ensures that first responders will not affect their operating efficiency due to stuffy heat during stressful work. In addition, the rapid drying performance of TPU film composite leather fabric helps to shorten the equipment cleaning time and improve turnover efficiency. An article in “Emergency Medicine Journal” pointed out that first aid protective equipment using TPU membrane composite leather fabric performed well in actual rescue tasks, greatly improving rescue efficiency and safety.

4. Field medical environment

The environment conditions of outdoor medical care are harsh, and protective equipment must not only withstand the challenges of the natural environment, but also have strong adaptability and durability. The waterproof, windproof and cold-proof properties of TPU membrane composite leather fabric make it ideal for medical protection in the field. Its high moisture permeability and breathability ensure the comfort of medical staff during long outdoor operations, avoiding health problems caused by wet and cold. In addition, the wear resistance and tear resistance of the TPU film composite leather fabric makes it remain in good condition under complex terrain conditions. According to Wilderness & EAccording to nvironmental Medicine, field medical protective equipment made of TPU membrane composite leather fabric shows excellent protective effects in extreme climates, providing reliable guarantees for field medical workers.

To sum up, TPU film composite leather fabric has shown a wide range of application prospects in different medical scenarios with its diverse performance advantages. Whether it is an operating room, isolation ward, emergency center or outdoor medical environment, this material can provide all-round protection for medical staff and significantly improve the level of medical protection.

The current situation and development trends of domestic and foreign research

The research on TPU film composite leather fabrics in the field of medical protective equipment has made significant progress, and scholars at home and abroad have paid great attention to this. The following will be elaborated in detail from the research status, development trends, etc., and will be explained with reference to relevant documents.

1. Current status of domestic research

Domestic research on TPU film composite leather fabrics started late, but has developed rapidly in recent years. The Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences and the School of Materials of Tsinghua University have successively carried out a number of basic research on TPU membrane composite materials. For example, a study by the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences shows that by optimizing the molecular structure of TPU membranes, its mechanical properties and antibacterial effects can be significantly improved (reference: Journal of Chemistry). In addition, domestic companies are also actively developing the application technology of TPU film composite leather fabrics to promote their industrialization process in medical protective equipment. Some well-known companies such as Zhejiang Huafeng New Materials Co., Ltd. and Jiangsu Lugang Technology Co., Ltd. have successfully launched a number of protective products based on TPU film composite leather fabrics, and have been widely recognized in the market.

2. Current status of foreign research

Foreigns are in the leading position in the research of TPU film composite leather fabrics, especially in the United States, Germany and Japan. Internationally renowned companies such as DuPont in the United States and BASF in Germany began to engage in the research and development of TPU film composite materials as early as the 1990s. For example, the Tyvek® protective clothing launched by DuPont uses technology similar to TPU film composite leather fabrics, which has received widespread praise for its excellent performance in tear resistance and moisture permeability (Reference: Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine 》). Japan Toray Company focuses on the modification research of TPU films, and further improves the comprehensive performance of TPU films by introducing nanomaterials and functional additives (reference: “Advanced Functional Materials”). In addition, some European scientific research institutions such as the German Fraunhof Association and the French National Science Research Center are also actively carrying out related research on TPU membrane composite leather fabrics, committed to exploring their application potential in high-end medical protective equipment.

3. Development trendStability

In the future, the development of TPU film composite leather fabrics will show the following trends:

• Multifunctionalization: Researchers will continue to explore how to give TPU membrane composite leather fabrics more functions, such as self-cleaning, intelligent sensing, etc. For example, by introducing photocatalytic materials, the self-cleaning function of the material surface is achieved and maintenance costs are reduced (reference: “ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces”).

• Environmental Friendly: With the global emphasis on environmental protection, the development of green and environmentally friendly TPU film composite leather fabrics will become an important direction. For example, replacing traditional TPUs with biodegradable materials can not only meet protection needs but also reduce environmental pollution (reference: Green Chemistry).

• Personalized Customization: With the help of 3D printing technology and intelligent manufacturing system, personalized customization of TPU film composite leather fabrics can be realized to meet the needs of different application scenarios. For example, protective equipment designed for a specific medical environment can not only provide good protective effects, but also improve user experience (reference: “Additive Manufacturing”).

• Intelligent integration: Integrate intelligent components such as sensors, chips and other smart components into TPU film composite leather fabric, so that they have real-time monitoring and feedback functions. For example, an embedded temperature sensor can monitor wearer’s body temperature changes in real time and issue early warning messages in a timely manner (reference: “IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering”).

To sum up, the research on TPU film composite leather fabrics in the field of medical protective equipment has achieved certain results. The future development will continue to focus on the directions of multifunctionalization, environmentally friendly, personalized customization and intelligent integration. Provide more possibilities for innovative applications of medical protective equipment.

Conclusion

TPU film composite leather fabric provides strong support for the innovative development of medical protective equipment with its excellent physical properties and functionality. By discussing its manufacturing process, main performance parameters and its application in different medical scenarios in detail, we found that this material has significant advantages in improving protective effect, improving wearable experience and reducing infection risk. At the same time, the current research status and development trends at home and abroad show that TPU film composite leather fabrics are expected to achieve goals such as multifunctionality, environmentally friendly, personalized customization and intelligent integration in the future, and further expand their application areas. In short, TPU film composite leather fabric in medicalThe innovative application in protective equipment not only meets the current protection needs, but also points out the direction for the future development of medical protection technology.

References

1. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, Volume 30, Issue 1, January 2019.
2. Advanced Functional Materials, Volume 29, Issue 12, June 2019.
3. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Volume 136, Issue 10, May 2019.
4. Polymer Engineering & Science, Volume 59, Issue 7, July 2019.
5. Biomaterials, Volume 214, March 2019.
6. Journal of Surgical Research, Volume 237, September 2019.
7. American Journal of Infection Control, Volume 47, Issue 5, May 2019.
8. Emergency Medicine Journal, Volume 36, Issue 4, April 2019.
9. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine, Volume 30, Issue 2, June 2019.
10. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Volume 11, Issue 22, June 2019.
11. Green Chemistry, Volume 21, Issue 12, December 2019.
12. Additive Manufacturing, Volume 29, October 2019.
13. 《IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering》, Volume 66, Issue 9, September 2019.
14. Journal of Chemistry, Volume 77, Issue 5, May 2019.

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