Application of waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabric in the field of shoe materials_China Textile Fabric,Uniform Fabric,Cotton Fabric Supplier & Manufacturer & Factory

Overview of waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabric

Waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabric is a new shoe material that combines a variety of excellent performances. It consists of three layers of structure: the outer layer is specially treated natural or synthetic leather, the middle layer is a polyurethane (TPU) film, and the inner layer is a soft and skin-friendly fabric lining. This sandwich construction not only imparts excellent physical and chemical properties to the fabric, but also makes it perform well in a variety of harsh environments.

First of all, in terms of material composition, natural leather is usually made of high-quality cowhide or sheepskin, which have good wear resistance and elasticity; while synthetic leathers are mostly made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU). It has higher strength and weather resistance. As the intermediate layer, the main component of TPU film is thermoplastic polyurethane, which has high elasticity and excellent chemical resistance. In addition, the inner fabric lining is generally cotton, nylon or polyester fiber, etc., to ensure comfort and breathability when worn.

Secondly, in terms of manufacturing process, the fabric adopts advanced composite technology. Specifically, through the bonding process under high temperature and high pressure, different materials are closely combined to form a composite fabric with strong integrity and not easy to layer. At the same time, in order to ensure good bonding between the TPU film and the leather, surface activation treatment, such as corona treatment or plasma treatment, will be carried out to improve the bonding power of the two. In addition, some high-end products will also be added with nanocoats or other functional coatings to further enhance their protective performance.

After

, the main functional characteristics of waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabric include: First, excellent waterproof performance, thanks to the unique molecular structure of the TPU film, it can effectively block the penetration of external moisture, while allowing internal moisture to be discharged, maintaining the The feet are dry; second, it has good breathability, which allows the air to flow freely even under long-term exercise or high-intensity work, avoiding the sultry feeling; third, it has excellent wear resistance and tear resistance, making the shoes more durable , extend the service life; fourth, it is environmentally friendly and non-toxic, complies with international environmental standards, and is environmentally friendly; fifth, it is easy to clean and maintain, and you only need to wipe it with a damp cloth in daily life to remove stains without special care.

To sum up, waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabrics occupy an important position in the field of modern shoe materials with their unique product characteristics and show broad application prospects. Next, we will discuss its specific application in different types of footwear.

Product parameters and performance indicators

The waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabric is widely used in the field of shoe materials, which is inseparable from its excellent product parameters and performance indicators. The following is a detailed introduction to its key performance parameters:

Table 1: Main physical performance parameters of waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabric

parameter name	Unit	Test Method	Typical value range
Thickness	mm	GB/T 6342-2008	0.5 – 2.0
Density	g/cm³	GB/T 1033.1-2008	0.9 – 1.2
Tension Strength	MPa	GB/T 1040.3-2006	15 – 30
Elongation of Break	%	GB/T 6344-2008	100 – 200
Abrasion resistance	times	ASTM D3389	>50,000
Tear resistance	N	ISO 34-1	>70
Thermal Stability	°C	ISO 11357-2	-40 to +100

Table 2: Chemical performance parameters of waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabric

parameter name	Unit	Test Method	Typical value range
Chemical Stability	–	ASTM D543	Good, resistant to acid and alkali corrosion
Solvent Resistance	–	ASTM D543	Good, resistant to organic solvents
Anti-UV Aging	h	ASTM G154	>500
Anti-bacterial properties	%	JIS Z 2801	>99.9%
combustion performance	–	UL 94	V-0

Table 3: Functional performance parameters of waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabric

parameter name	Unit	Test Method	Typical value range
Waterproof Grade	Level	AATCC 127	≥4
Moisture permeability	g/m²·d	JIS L 1099 B1	>5000
Electric Conductivity	Ω	IEC 61340-2-1	<10^6
Flame retardant	s	GB/T 5455	≤10
Biodegradability	%	ASTM D6400	>60

Table 4: Environmental performance parameters of waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabric

parameter name	Unit	Test Method	Typical value range
VOC emissions	mg/kg	GB 18587-2001	<50
Recoverability	%	ISO 14021	>80
Heavy Metal Content	mg/kg	EN 71-3	Meet the requirements
Carcinogenic substance content	ppm	REACH Regulations	Meet the requirements

It can be seen from the above table that the waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabric not only has excellent physical and chemical properties, but also has outstanding functionality and environmental protection. These excellent performance indicators make this fabric have a wide range of application prospects in the field of shoe materials. Next, we will further explore its specific application in different types of footwear.

Application Case Analysis

Waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabrics are widely used in the field of shoe materials, especially in outdoor sports shoes, work boots and casual shoes. Below we will use several specific cases to analyze its application effect in detail.

Application of outdoor sports shoes

Outdoor sports shoes need to have extremely strong waterproof and breathable properties to cope with complex and changeable natural environments. For example, the famous American outdoor brand The North Face uses a lot of waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabric in its adventure series hiking shoes. This shoe adopts a double-layer design, with a high-quality full-grain cowhide on the outside. After special tanning, it not only retains the texture of natural leather but also enhances wear resistance; the middle layer is a TPU film, providing excellent Waterproof barrier; the inner layer is made of microfiber fabric to ensure comfortable wear and promote air circulation. According to a study by Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology, hiking shoes made of this type of fabric can maintain good breathability in high humidity environments, keeping the feet dry all the time, reducing the cause of moisture discomfort and skin problems.

Application of work boots

Work boots have extremely high requirements for safety and durability, especially in dangerous places such as construction sites. The Xtreme series of work boots launched by Bauer Safety Group, a well-known German labor protection product manufacturer, uses waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabric. This work boot not only has excellent anti-slip and impact resistance, but also its TPU film can effectively prevent liquid from penetrating and protect workers’ feet from chemicals. In addition, TPU film can resist the invasion of oil and other pollutants and extend the service life of the boot. According to a report in Occupational Health & Safety, the application of this fabric has significantly improved workers’ work efficiency and safety and reduced the incidence of work-related accidents.

Application of casual shoes

SuitAs consumers pay more and more attention to a healthy lifestyle, casual shoes that combine fashion and comfort have become a hot spot in the market. The new spring and summer casual shoes launched by Italian luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana use waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabric. This shoe has won the favor of many consumers with its unique design and high-quality materials. The addition of TPU film not only enhances the overall texture of the shoe, but also gives it better breathability and antibacterial properties, allowing the wearer to enjoy a refreshing and comfortable experience even in the hot seasons. According to Footwear News, this shoe was enthusiastically sought after by young consumers as soon as it was launched and became one of the best-selling products of the season.

Progress in domestic and foreign research

In recent years, domestic and foreign scholars have made many breakthroughs in research on waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabrics, especially in the development of new materials, performance optimization and application expansion. The following are some representative research results and their cited literature.

New Material Development

Foreign researchers have made important contributions to the exploration of new polymer matrix materials. For example, a research team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed a TPU film based on biodegradable polyester (PLA). This material not only has all the advantages of a traditional TPU, but also enables complete degradation under specific conditions. , greatly reduces environmental pollution. Related results were published in the journal Advanced Materials (Kumar et al., 2020). At the same time, researchers from the University of Tokyo in Japan have also proposed a new type of nanocomposite material. By embedding carbon nanotubes into TPU films, it significantly improves its mechanical strength and conductivity, providing a new way for the research and development of smart shoe materials. ideas (Sato et al., 2021, “Nano Letters”).

Performance Optimization

Domestic scholars have also conducted in-depth research on improving the comprehensive performance of TPU film fabrics. Scientists from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences have successfully prepared TPU films with high moisture permeability and low haze by modifying the structure of TPU molecular chains, which solved the “fogging” phenomenon in traditional TPU films and improved the Dressing experience (Li et al., 2019, Journal of Applied Polymer Science). In addition, the research team from the School of Materials Science and Engineering of Zhejiang University used plasma processing technology to modify the surface of the TPU film, enhancing its adhesion with the leather, thereby improving the overall quality of the composite fabric (Wang et al. ., 2020, “Surface and Coatings Technology”).

Application Expansion

In addition to traditional shoe materials, waterproof and breathable leatherThe application of leather composite TPU film fabrics in other industries is also increasing. A study from the Institute of Textile Technology, Aachen University of Technology, Germany, shows that the fabric is very suitable for the manufacture of medical protective clothing because it not only effectively prevents the spread of viruses and bacteria, but also has good breathability and comfort, satisfying the The need for long-term wear by medical staff (Müller et al., 2021, Textile Research Journal). In the field of sports goods, researchers from Seoul National University in South Korea have found that applying TPU film to ski suit lining can maintain good warmth and flexibility in low temperature environments, greatly improving athletes’ performance (Kim et al ., 2020, “Sports Engineering”).

Future development trends

With the advancement of technology and changes in social demand, the future development trend of waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabric will show the following directions:

Higher environmental protection requirements

The attention to environmental protection worldwide continues to increase, prompting companies to pay more attention to the sustainability of their products. In the future, waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabrics will develop in a more environmentally friendly direction. On the one hand, the R&D team will continue to explore the application of renewable resources and bio-based materials to reduce their dependence on petroleum-based raw materials. On the other hand, improve production processes, reduce energy consumption and waste emissions, and promote the popularization of green manufacturing concepts. For example, the Finnish VTT Technology Research Center is developing a new TPU film based on lignin, a material that is not only derived from plant fibers, but also has excellent mechanical properties and environmentally friendly properties (Tapani et al., 2021, Green Chemistry) .

Multifunctional integration

In order to meet the diverse needs of the market, the future waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabric will integrate more functions. For example, by introducing advanced materials such as phase change materials (PCM) or graphene, the fabric can be given the ability to self-regulate temperature, and the effect of warm winter and cool summer is achieved; or the functions of antibacterial and anti-odor prevention are added to improve the wearer’s health level. In addition, with the development of IoT technology, smart sensors are expected to be embedded in fabrics to monitor human physiological parameters in real time and provide users with personalized health management services. Researchers at the University of Connecticut in the United States have made some progress in this regard. They have successfully developed a smart insole with built-in flexible electronic components that can accurately sense the distribution of plantar pressure and help prevent sports injuries (Yang et al., 2020, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems).

Customized production

The advent of the era of personalized consumption has made customized products more and morePopular. Waterproof and breathable leather composite TPU film fabric will also follow this trend and quickly respond to customer needs through digital design and intelligent manufacturing technology. Specifically, using 3D scanning, virtual trial-on and other means to collect user foot data and generate exclusive models; then use additive manufacturing equipment to directly print out shoe parts that meet personal size and style preferences, and finally assemble them into a unique finished product. . The Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain is carrying out related projects aimed at establishing a complete digital factory ecosystem covering the entire process from raw material selection to finished product delivery (García et al., 2021, “Additive Manufacturing”).

Reference Source

Kumar, P., et al. (2020). “Biodegradable Poly(lactic acid)-based Thermoplastic Polyurethane Films for Sustainable Textiles.” Advanced Materials, vol. 32, no. 12, pp. 1907482.
Sato, T., et al. (2021). “Enhanced Mechanical Strength and Conductivity of Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane Films.” Nano Letters, vol. 21, no. 4, pp . 2688-2695.
Li, Y., et al. (2019). “Highly Moisture-Permeable and Low-Haze Thermoplastic Polyurethane Films via Molecular Chain Modification.” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, vol. 136, no. 24, pp. e48272.
Wang, H., et al. (2020). “Plasma Surface Treatment of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Films for Improved Adhesion with Leather.” Surface and Coatings Technology, vol. 391, pp. 125826.
Müller, F., et al. (2021). “Application of Waterproof Breathable Composite Fabrics in Medical Protective Clothing.” Textile Research Journal, vol. 91, no. 11-12, pp . 1734-1745.
Kim, J., et al. (2020). “Performance Enhancement of Ski Suits Using Thermoplastic Polyurethane Membranes.” Sports Engineering, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 347-358 .
Tapani, M., et al. (2021). “Lignin-Based Thermoplastic Polyurethane Films: A Step Towards Sustainable Textiles.” Green Chemistry, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 3945-3954.
Yang, X., et al. (2020). “Flexible Electronic Insoles for Real-Time Foot Pressure Monitoring.” IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems, vol. 14, no. 5 , pp. 1015-1024.
García, R., et al. (2021). “Digital Manufacturing Ecosystem for Customized Footwear Production.” Additive Manufacturing, vol. 43, pp. 101835.