Coatings are polymer-based layers that cover a substrate. Some coatings are protective while others contribute additional attributes to a final fabric-based product. Enhanced properties may include improved resistances, enhanced durability, or protection from environmental wear.
Coatings can be applied to one or both sides of a fabric and different substrates cab be selected to address specific requirements. These fabrics include:
- Circular knits
- Non-wovens
- Warp-knits
- Weft-knits
- Wovens
Understanding Polymer Coating Systems
Polymer coatings represent a broad category of polymer-based materials that enhance different properties and protect different types of fabrics. Some of the most common polymers include:
- Acrylic
- Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Natural rubber (NR)
- Polyolefins
- Polypropylene
- Polyurethane (PU)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PPVC)
- Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC)
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
- Silicone
- Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), a common type of synthetic rubber
Each of these chemicals provides unique protective or performance-driving characteristics.
Advanced Coating Polymer
Dynamic fabric products often require coatings that can provide more complex benefits such as antimicrobial properties or metallic or electrically conductive attributes. Today’s advanced coating solutions also include phase change coatings and increasingly smart textiles. Smart fabrics that are more reactive to electrical impulses and electronic commands may soon become an essential facet of fabric coatings.
Applications for Coated Fabrics
Coated fabrics have multiple applications across different industries. Popular applications include:
Agriculture
- Bags
- Bulk containers
- Crop covers
- Fences
- Irrigation systems
- Pond liners
Aviation
- Anti-vibration
- Composite parts/components
- Composite structures
- Flame resistance
- Thermal barriers
- Water/stain-proof seating
Construction
- Conveyor belts
- Drainage ditch liners
- Hoses
- Safety items (fencing, vests, etc.)
- Wind covers
- Structural components
Clothing
- Artificial leather
- Footwear linings
- Garment linings
- Gloves
- Hats
- Leisurewear
- Protective rain or snow gear
- Sportswear
- Stain-repellent fabrics
- Water-repellent fabrics
Geotextiles
- Erosion barriers
- Liners (ponds, irrigation, landfills)
- Soil stabilizers
Home Furnishings
- Artificial leather
- Bedding
- Carpet backing
- Drapes
- Furniture upholstery
Medical
- Gloves
- Devices
- Implants
- Plaster
- Upholstery
Packaging
- Barrier packaging
- Bulk shipping containers
- Liquid/gas bulk storage/hauling
- Waterproof materials (tarps, etc.)
Protective Equipment
- Aprons
- Ballistic protection
- Gloves
- Footwear
- HAZMAT suits
- Space suits
Recreation
- Bags
- Nets (hockey, soccer, etc.)
- Sports balls (footballs, volleyballs, etc.)
- Uniforms
Transportation
- Airbags
- Belts
- Carpets
- Seat upholstery (automobiles, trucks, trains, aircraft, etc.)
- Tires
Advanced Coatings
Advanced coatings are reserved for applications in extreme environments or for products that face frequent wear and tear. These applications include:
- Aviation and aerospace materials
- Comfort wear and fashion clothing
- Computing textiles
- Heat/flame protection
- Medical applications
- Radiation clothing
- Military uniforms and other defense-related applications
Tex Tech’s Coating Capabilities
Tex Tech is a textile coating company committed to excellence in high-quality polymer coatings. We can apply a wide variety of coatings to one or both sides of fabrics for a protective, high-performance final product.
Our coatings are created to enhance or provide features such as:
- Air holding capabilities
- Abrasion and wear and tear resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Durability
- Flame and heat resistance/mitigation
- Heightened bonding strength
- Various surface enhancements
- Vibration reduction
- Weldability characteristics
Our coatings come in solid, aqueous, and solvent-based forms. Methods for applying coatings include:
- Adhesive lamination, which coats the substrate with a film
- Heat lamination, which applies a film and then heat treats the surface to bond the coating to the substrate
- Direct application methods such as knife over air, knife over roll, and knife over table
- Immersive dip coatings, wherein the fabric/item is dipped into the coating
- Reverse roll coating, in which fabric runs over a roller and the coating transfers from the roller to the fabric
- Transfer coating, which moves the coating from a release paper to the substrate
Our industry experts can match your substrate and specified coating attributes with the most appropriate application method for error-proof, high-quality coating. Tex Tech is a leading supplier of coating and lamination services across a broad range of industries.
Download Our Extensive Coating Technologies eBook Today
Developing an understanding of the possibilities surrounding coatings can help engineers to improve the quality of their final products. To learn more about coatings and their applications, please download our Extensive Coating Technologies eBook.
