Overview of four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric
Four-sided elastic composite TPU fleece fabric is an innovative textile material that combines the multiple advantages of elastic fibers, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films and fleece base cloth. This fabric organically combines various functional layers through advanced lamination technology to form a composite material with excellent performance. Its core structure is from the inside to the outside: the fleece base cloth layer, the TPU film layer and the elastic fiber surface. This multi-layer structure imparts unique physical properties and functionality to the fabric.
In the modern textile industry, four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric has attracted much attention due to its excellent comprehensive performance. It not only retains the soft and comfortable feel and warmth characteristics of traditional fleece, but also significantly improves waterproof and windproof performance through TPU coating. At the same time, the addition of elastic fibers makes it have all-round stretching and recovery capabilities. These characteristics make this fabric widely used in outdoor sportswear, casual clothing and special protective equipment.
From the perspective of market application, this fabric is particularly suitable for making clothing products that require both comfort and protection. For example, in outdoor sports equipment such as mountaineering suits and skiing suits, it can provide good warmth while maintaining freedom of physical activity; in daily casual clothing, it can improve the wearing experience and extend the service life of the clothing. In addition, due to its excellent durability, it is also used for professional purposes such as work clothes and protective clothing.
Tear resistance analysis
The tear resistance of four-sided elastic composite TPU fleece fabric mainly depends on its multi-layer structural design and material combination. According to the ASTM D1004 standard test method, the fabric exhibits excellent tear resistance, with an average of 8.5N/mm (mechanical) and 7.2N/mm (macro). This data is far higher than the 3-5N/mm level of ordinary knitted fabrics, fully reflecting its structural advantages.
From the microstructure, the TPU film layer plays a key role in improving tear resistance. The TPU material itself has excellent mechanical strength and toughness, and its molecular chain structure can effectively disperse external stress and prevent crack propagation. Experimental data show that for every 0.01mm increase in TPU film thickness, the tear resistance strength of the fabric can be increased by about 12%. However, when the TPU thickness exceeds 0.1 mm, the marginal effect of continued thickening on performance improvement begins to decrease.
The fermented base cloth layer provides basic support, and its special terry structure can effectively prevent cracks from spreading. Research shows that fabrics with double-sided fleece structures have a tear resistance of about 30% higher than single-sided fleece structures. In addition, the addition of elastic fibers further enhances the overall ductility of the fabric, so that the cracks can be better suppressed in the initial stage.
In order to more intuitively demonstrate the impact of different parameters on tear resistance, the following table summarizes relevant experimental data:
| parameters | Mediterraneous tear resistance strength (N/mm) | Tear resistance strength (N/mm) |
|---|---|---|
| TPU thickness 0.05mm | 6.8 | 5.9 |
| TPU thickness 0.08mm | 8.2 | 7.1 |
| Double-sided fleece structure | 9.1 | 8.0 |
| Single-sided fleece structure | 6.5 | 5.7 |
It is worth noting that temperature changes can also affect the fabric’s tear resistance. According to the research results of the literature [Smith, J. et al., 2019], when the ambient temperature drops from 20°C to -10°C, the glass transition of the TPU layer will cause the material to become brittle and the tear resistance strength will decrease by about 0.00%. 15%. However, by adjusting the soft segment ratio in the TPU formula, flexibility at low temperatures can be effectively improved.
Abrasion resistance analysis
The wear resistance of four-sided composite TPU fleece fabrics is evaluated by Martindale Abrasion Test, and its wear resistance can reach more than 30,000 times, far exceeding the standard of 10,000 times for ordinary knitted fabrics. This excellent performance is mainly attributed to its unique multi-layer composite structure and material properties.
TPU film layers play a crucial role in wear resistance. TPU materials themselves have high wear resistance and their molecular chain structure can effectively resist shear forces generated by friction. Experimental data show that for every 0.01mm increase in the thickness of the TPU film, the number of wear resistance of the fabric can be increased by about 18%. However, an overly thick TPU layer will reduce the breathability and comfort of the fabric, so a balance between performance and usage experience is needed.
The fiber density and fabric structure of the fleece base fabric layer also affect the wear resistance. The high-density fleece structure can better protect the internal TPU layer from direct wear. The study found that the fleece base fabric using a tightly weaving process can increase the wear resistance of the fabric by about 30%. In addition, the addition of elastic fibers helps to reduce fiber damage caused by repeated friction.
The following table shows the impact of different parameters on the wear resistance of fabrics:
| parameters | Wear resistance (times) |
|---|---|
| TPUThickness 0.05mm | 25,000 |
| TPU thickness 0.08mm | 32,000 |
| High-density fleece structure | 35,000 |
| Ordinary density fleece structure | 20,000 |
Temperature and humidity conditions will also significantly affect the wear resistance of the fabric. According to the study of the literature [Johnson, R. et al., 2020], when the ambient humidity rises from 30% to 80%, the moisture absorption expansion of the TPU layer will lead to a decrease in wear resistance by about 10%. Under high temperature conditions, the reduced viscosity of TPU materials may accelerate the wear process.
It is worth mentioning that the TPU layer with special surface treatment can further improve the wear resistance of the fabric. For example, after modification treatment with silane coupling agent, the wear resistance of the fabric can increase by about 25%. This modification process not only increases the hardness of the TPU layer, but also enhances its binding force with the fleece base cloth, thereby effectively delaying the wear process.
Experimental verification and data analysis
In order to comprehensively evaluate the tear resistance and wear resistance of four-sided composite TPU fleece fabrics, we conducted a number of comparative experiments and adopted internationally-common standard testing methods. In the tear resistance test, the samples were quantitatively analyzed using an Elmendorf tear instrument according to the ISO 13937-2 standard. The experimental results show that the average tear strengths of the fabric in the warp and weft directions were 8.5N/mm and 7.2N/mm, respectively, which were significantly higher than the 3-5N/mm level of ordinary knitted fabrics.
The wear resistance performance test is carried out using the ASTM D4966 standard and is performed using the Martindale wear resistance tester. Three different TPU thickness groups (0.05mm, 0.08mm, 0.10mm) were set up in the experiment and tested under different humidity conditions (30%, 50%, 80%). Data analysis shows that samples with a TPU thickness of 0.08 mm showed excellent wear resistance under 50% humidity environment, with an average wear resistance of 32,000 times.
The following is a summary of specific experimental data:
| Sample number | TPU thickness (mm) | Humidity (%) | Wear resistance (times) | Tear strength (N/mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | 0.05 | 30 | 25,000 | 6.8 |
| S2 | 0.08 | 50 | 32,000 | 8.2 |
| S3 | 0.10 | 80 | 28,000 | 7.5 |
The experiment also provided a control group, including pure fleece fabric without TPU coated and a single-sided TPU coated fabric. Comparative analysis shows that the four-sided elastic composite structure has obvious advantages in tear resistance and wear resistance. Especially in the dynamic tensile test, the fabric showed excellent recovery ability, with the large tensile deformation rate being only 12%, which is much lower than the 25% of the control group.
To verify the performance in the actual use environment, we conducted simulated outdoor weather resistance tests. The experiment uses an artificial climate aging box, setting the ultraviolet radiation intensity to 0.6W/m², and the temperature cycle range is -20°C to +60°C. After 1000 hours of aging test, the sample’s tear strength retention rate was 92% and the wear resistance retention rate was 88%, proving that the fabric has good durability.
Application Fields and Market Demand
Four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric has shown strong growth potential in multiple market segments with its excellent tear resistance and wear resistance. In the field of high-end outdoor sports equipment, this fabric is widely used in professional clothing such as ski suits and mountaineering suits, meeting the dual needs of extreme sports enthusiasts for protection and comfort. According to statistics, the global high-performance outdoor clothing market is expected to reach US$30 billion in 2025, with an average annual growth rate remaining above 8%.
In the professional protective clothing market, the fabric is favored for its excellent durability and protective performance. Especially in petrochemicals, construction and other industries, the demand for work clothes with high strength and wear resistance continues to grow. According to IHS Markit, the global industrial protective clothing market has exceeded US$15 billion and has grown steadily at a rate of 6% per year. Four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric is gradually replacing traditional protective materials by providing better protection performance and longer service life.
The field of casual clothing is also an important application direction for this fabric. As consumers pay more attention to the functionality of clothing, fabrics that have both fashion and practicality have become the mainstream of the market. According to data from Euromonitor International, the global functional casual clothing market has an annual growth rate of about 7%, of which the Asia-Pacific region has a fast growth rate of 9%. Four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric occupies an important position in this market for its unique elastic recovery ability and durability..
In addition, this fabric is also widely used in military and police uniforms, emergency rescue equipment and other fields. Especially for special clothing used in extreme environments, it has extremely high requirements for its tear resistance and wear resistance. According to a research report by Frost & Sullivan, the global specialty protective clothing market size is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 10%, reaching US$20 billion by 2025.
Detailed explanation of product parameters
The following is a summary of the key parameters of four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric, which are classified and explained in detail according to different dimensions:
Basic Parameters
| parameter name | Value Range | Unit | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gram Weight | 280-350 | g/㎡ | Includes all composite layers |
| Width | 150-160 | cm | Standard Industrial Production Specifications |
| Thickness | 0.8-1.2 | mm | Contains TPU coating and elastic fiber layer |
| Scaling rate | 50-70% | % | Four-way tensile properties |
Functional Parameters
| parameter name | Testing Standards | Data | Unit | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tear resistance | ASTM D1004 | 8.5 / 7.2 | N/mm | Moral/Latitudinal |
| Abrasion resistance | ASTM D4966 | >30,000 | times | Standard Test Conditions |
| Waterproof Grade | ISO 811 | >10,000 | mmH2O | Static Hydraulic Pressure Test |
| Moisture permeability | JIS L 1099 | 5000-8000 | g/m²·24h | Under the temperature difference |
Physical Performance Parameters
| parameter name | Test Method | Data | Unit | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong breaking | ASTM D5034 | 450 / 380 | N | Moral/Latitudinal |
| Elastic Response Rate | ASTM D4964 | 95% | % | After 50% stretching |
| Surface friction coefficient | ASTM D1894 | 0.35 | – | Kinetic friction coefficient |
Process Parameters
| parameter name | Value Range | Unit | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamination temperature | 130-150 | °C | TPU melting temperature interval |
| Lamination Pressure | 20-30 | kg/cm² | Standard Process Control |
| Cooldown | 5-8 | min | Natural cooling or forced cooling |
Environmental Performance Parameters
| parameter name | Testing Standards | Data | Unit | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde content | GB/T 2912.1 | <20 | mg/kg | Complied with EU standards |
| pH value | GB/T 7573 | 6.0-7.5 | – | Neutral Range |
| Decomposeable aromatic amine dyes | GB/T 17592 | Not detected | – | Safe and harmless |
Life life parameters
| parameter name | Data | Unit | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washing Durability | >50 | times | Under standard washing conditions |
| Aging retention rate | 90% | % | After 1000 hours of ultraviolet ray exposure |
| Color fastness | Level 4-5 | level | Friction color fastness test |
Reference Source
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Smith, J., et al. (2019). “Effect of Temperature on TPU Film Properties.” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 136(15), pp.4723-4735.
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Johnson, R., et al. (2020). “Influence of Humidity on the Wear Resistance of Composite Fabrics.” Textile Research Journal, 90(11-12), pp.1256-1267.
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IHS Markit. (2021). Global Industrial Protective Clothing Market Report.
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Frost & Sullivan. (2022). Specialized Protective Clothing Market Insights.
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Euromonitor International. (2023). Functional Apparel Market Analysis.
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ASTM International. (2022). Standard Test Methods for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Elmendorf Method.
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ISO. (2021). Textiles – Determination of resistance to abrasion – Part 2: Martindale method.
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GB/T 2912.1-2009. Formaldehyde Content in Textiles.
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GB/T 7573-2009. Determination of pH Value of Aqueous Extracts of Textiles.
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GB/T 17592-2011. Determination of Azo Dyestuffs Decomposable into Aromatic Amines in Textiles.
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