water-resistant, which makes them useful for use as outerwear and other activewear. And unlike cotton, polyurethane fabric is also durable and washable - it holds up to a hundred cycles in a washing machine.
It is expensive
You might be wondering why Pu coated fabric is so expensive. It has a special coating on one side, which is more expensive than the acrylic type. Generally, a thicker layer means more polymer is needed to create the coating. In addition, a PU-coated piece of fabric is more expensive than acrylic, and normal use puts the coated side on the 'inside' of the item, leaving the fabric outside. This can cause rain to soak into the exposed fibers.
A PU-coated nylon is slightly weaker than a fabric without the coating. It's less elastic, and its tear strength is reduced slightly. However, it's worth the price. Its durability makes it a great choice for midweight waterproof applications. It's also resistant to UV rays and is very durable. In general, the cost of a PU-coated fabric is higher than that of polyester.
It is hard to handle in a production environment
If you're handling PU-coated fabric, chances are you're also handling silicone. Silicone is an excellent waterproofing agent, but it is not water-resistant, which makes it difficult to handle in a production environment. Additionally, water can act as a slow solvent for polyurethane, causing the fabric to stick to itself. Over time, the coating can peel off and form a ball of mould.
PU-coated fabric behaves poorly in a production environment because the stress is concentrated at the tip of the tear. In contrast, silnylon-coated fabric distributes stress evenly throughout its fibers, making it stronger than the base fabric. The resulting material is 2.2 times stronger than its base fabric. Its durability also means that it's a good choice for outdoor activities.
It is environmentally friendly
Polyurethane (PU) fabrics are durable, water-resistant, and breathable. These fabrics were originally developed for use in hospitals and are very strong and durable. Polyurethane has many uses and is an excellent choice for upholstery. Learn more about how PU is beneficial for the environment. This fabric is also made from recycled materials. There are many benefits to purchasing PU-coated fabric, and you'll be pleased with the results.
The traditional PU process uses dimethylformamide (DMF) in the processing, which is highly toxic and contributes to pollution and occupational health risks. Traditional PU technology requires three steps to create a single layer of PU. This includes washing the fabric, applying the PU, and drying it. Unlike other coating technologies, PU coated fabric is extremely energy-efficient. To create this environmentally friendly fabric, Covestro designed its own process to reduce energy and water consumption.