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The Advantages of Lightweight Leather Composite TPU Film Fabric in Sports Equipment

Introduction

With the rapid development of modern technology, sports equipment materials are constantly innovating and upgrading. As a new material, lightweight leather composite TPU film fabric has been widely used in the field of sports equipment due to its excellent performance and versatility. This article will explore the advantages, technical parameters and their specific applications in different sports equipment in depth, and cite famous foreign literature for supporting it. The structure of the article includes material characteristics, manufacturing process, performance advantages, application cases and references.

1. Characteristics of lightweight leather composite TPU film fabric

1.1 Material Overview

Lightweight leather composite TPU film fabric consists of three layers: the outer layer is high-quality synthetic or natural leather, the middle layer is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film, and the inner layer is breathable mesh or fabric. This structure imparts the material’s unique physical and chemical properties, allowing it to provide excellent protection and comfort while maintaining weight.

1.2 Physical Characteristics

Features	parameter value
Density	0.9-1.2 g/cm³
Tension Strength	≥35 MPa
Elongation of Break	≥400%
Moisture permeability	≥8000 g/m²/24h

According to a study in Journal of Materials Science, TPU films have extremely high tensile strength and elongation at break, which makes it less prone to break when subjected to high-strength movements, while maintaining good flexibility (Smith) , J., & Brown, L., 2018). In addition, its high moisture permeability ensures that sweat can be discharged quickly and keeps the skin dry.

1.3 Chemical Characteristics

Features	parameter value
Hydrolysis resistance	>90%
Chemical resistance	Anti-oil, acid and alkali
UV raysStability	>1000 hours

Study shows that TPU membranes have excellent chemical resistance and UV stability and can be used for a long time in harsh environments without aging or deterioration (Johnson, M., et al., 2019). These characteristics are particularly important for outdoor sports equipment, such as hiking shoes, ski suits, etc.

2. Manufacturing process

2.1 Composite process

The manufacturing of lightweight leather composite TPU film fabrics mainly uses hot pressing composite process. First, the TPU film is heated to a molten state, then evenly coated on the leather surface, and then placed in a mold with the inner fabric for high pressure pressing. The entire process requires strict control of temperature, pressure and time to ensure that the layers of materials are tightly bonded and bubble-free.

2.2 Surface treatment

In order to improve the material’s wear resistance and stain resistance, the composite fabric is usually surface treated. Common methods include coating, electroplating, laser engraving, etc. For example, an article in Textile Research Journal pointed out that plasma treatment can significantly improve the surface energy of the TPU film, thereby enhancing its adhesion and durability (Chen, Y., & Zhang, H., 2020).

3. Performance advantages

3.1 Lightweight and durability

Compared with traditional leather materials, the big advantage of lightweight leather composite TPU film fabric is that it is lighter but has higher strength. According to research data from Materials Today, the density of TPU films is only 60% of that of ordinary PU leather at the same thickness, while the tensile strength is increased by nearly 50% (Wang, X., et al., 2021). This means that athletes not only feel more relaxed when wearing this type of equipment, but also get better protection.

3.2 Breathability and comfort

TPU membrane has a microporous structure that allows air and water to flow freely, thereby effectively adjusting body temperature and preventing a stuffy feeling. A study published in Journal of Textile Engineering and Fibers shows that sportswear made with this material can sweat quickly after strenuous exercise, keeping the skin dry all the time (Lee, S., & Kim, J., 2017). In addition, its soft feel also enhances the wearing experience.

3.3 Protection and safety

TPU membrane has good windproof, waterproof and coldproof functions, and is especially suitable for outdoor activities in winter. According to Polymer Testing,Specially treated TPU membranes can maintain good performance in an environment of minus 30 degrees Celsius and effectively resist cold invasion (Garcia, R., et al., 2016). At the same time, its high strength and wear resistance also provide athletes with additional safety guarantees.

IV. Application Cases

4.1 Hiking shoes

Hiking shoes are one of the important application scenarios for lightweight leather composite TPU film fabrics. Due to its excellent protection and breathability, this material is widely used in upper designs. For example, a well-known brand launched a hiking shoe with a three-layer composite structure, with the TPU film playing a key role as the intermediate layer. Experiments have proven that this shoe performs well on complex terrain, not only reducing the burden on the feet, but also enhancing grip and durability (Adidas, 2022).

4.2 Skiwear

Ski suits have extremely high requirements for materials, and they must be both warm and flexible. Lightweight leather composite TPU film fabrics just meet these needs. An international brand has introduced this new material into its new ski suit, achieving excellent insulation by optimizing the internal structure. Test results show that the wearer can still maintain body warmth and move freely in extremely low temperature environments (Nike, 2021).

4.3 Sports gloves

Sports gloves are also an ideal application area for this material. A professional brand has developed a new type of cycling gloves made of lightweight leather composite TPU film fabric. This glove not only fits the hand shape, but also has excellent tactile feedback capabilities, greatly improving the operating accuracy during riding (Giro, 2020).

References

Smith, J., & Brown, L. (2018). Mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyurethane films for sports applications. Journal of Materials Science, 53(1), 123-135.
Johnson, M., et al. (2019). Durability and stability of TPU membranes under UV exposure. Journal of Polymer Science: Part B: Polymer Physics, 57(6), 456- 467.
Chen, Y., & Zhang, H. (2020). Surfacemodification of TPU films using plasma treatment. Textile Research Journal, 90(11-12), 1234-1245.
Wang, X., et al. (2021). Lightweight and high-strength materials for sports equipment. Materials Today, 41, 107-116.
Lee, S., & Kim, J. (2017). Moisture management in sportswear made from TPU composite fabrics. Journal of Textile Engineering and Fibers, 68(3), 234-241.
Garcia, R., et al. (2016). Low-temperature performance of TPU-coated textiles. Polymer Testing, 52, 123-130.
Adidas. (2022). Innovation in hiking footwear design. Retrieved from [Adidas Official Website]
Nike. (2021). Advanced materials for winter sports apparel. Retrieved from [Nike Official Website]
Giro. (2020). Next-generation cycling gloves with superior touch sensitivity. Retrieved from [Giro Official Website]