VAE for Textile, fiber and leather industry

VAE offers a lot of interesting properties for the manufacturing industries in textiles industry, like upholstery and interior applications.

• StandardTg at „ambient temperature from -15°C to 35°C
• No plasticizer needed as film forming temperature are lower than Tg; long lasting effect no post stiffness due to plasticizer migration
• Hydrophilic properties on hydrophilic fibers( eg . cellulose ) are maintained ideal for tissues , hygiene articles
• Effective crosslinking with Cellulose based fibers is well established
• High flexibility due to Ethylene backbone
• Hydrogen bonding possible with Vinylacetate building block
• Low flammability compared to eg . Styrolacrylates
• Flexible Stabilization within protective colloid or emulsifier package
  • anionic to predominantly non ionic dispersions are possible

For textile padding

Textile padding process is a technique of applying dyes or chemicals to fabrics by immersing them in a solution and then squeezing out the excess liquid. The process typically consists of the following steps:

• Padding: The fabric is passed through a trough containing the dye or chemical solution and then between two rollers that apply pressure and force the solution into the fabric.
• Drying: The fabric is dried by hot air or infrared radiation to remove the moisture and fix the dye or chemical on the fabric.
• Curing: The fabric is heated to a high temperature to complete the reaction of the dye or chemical with the fabric fibers and improve the color fastness and durability.

Depending on the type of dye or chemical used, the padding process may vary in terms of the number of baths, the temperature, the pH, and the additives. Some common types of padding processes are:

• Thermosol dyeing: This is a continuous process for dyeing synthetic fabrics such as polyester with disperse dyes. The fabric is padded with a dye solution and then heated to a high temperature (180-220°C) in a thermosol chamber for a few seconds to sublimate the dye and transfer it to the fabric.
• Pad-steam dyeing: This is a continuous process for dyeing cellulosic fabrics such as cotton with reactive dyes. The fabric is padded with a dye solution containing alkali and urea and then steamed for a few minutes to activate the dye and form a covalent bond with the fabric.
• Pad-dry-cure dyeing: This is a continuous process for dyeing cellulosic fabrics with reactive dyes without using salt. The fabric is padded with a dye solution containing alkali and urea and then dried and cured at a high temperature (150-180°C) for a few minutes to activate the dye and form a covalent bond with the fabric.

For Textile Coatings

Textile coating is the process of applying one or more layers of polymer, resin, or other material on the surface of a fabric to enhance its properties or appearance. Textile coating can be done by different methods, such as spread coating, dip coating, and fabric lamination. Some of the purposes of textile coating are to make the fabric waterproof, fire retardant, anti-static, UV resistant, or adhesive.

Some examples of textile coating processes are:

• Spread coating: The fabric is passed through a trough containing the coating solution and then squeezed between two rollers to force the solution into the fabric. The solvent is then evaporated and the coating is cured by heat.
• Dip coating: The fabric is immersed in a water-based solution of chemicals or treatments and then dried and cured by heat. This method is used to improve the fabric’s strength, stability, or compatibility with other processes.
• Fabric lamination: The fabric is bonded with another layer of fabric or material by heat and pressure. This method is used to create hybrid fabrics with specific characteristics or functions.

Several polymers are used for textile coatings

Textile coatings are made of various polymers, depending on the desired properties and applications of the coated fabric. Some of the common polymers used for textile coatings are:

Polyvinyl acetate

Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA): These are water-soluble polymers that form flexible and transparent films on the fabric. They are used for coating paper, cardboard, and nonwoven fabrics.

Polyvinyl chloride

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): This is a thermoplastic polymer that forms a durable and waterproof film on the fabric. It is used for coating fabrics for outdoor applications, such as tents, tarps, and raincoats.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane (PUR): This is a versatile polymer that can form soft or hard films on the fabric. It is used for coating fabrics for sports, medical, and protective applications, such as gloves, bandages, and bulletproof vests.

Acrylate polymer

Polyacrylate: This is a synthetic polymer that forms a breathable and elastic film on the fabric. It is used for coating fabrics for apparel, home furnishing, and hygiene applications, such as jackets, curtains, and diapers.

VAE polymers

VAE polymers are unique copolymers of Vinyl Acetate and Ethylene. The major advantages of VAE polymers are:

• Softness
• Hydrophilicity
• High Adhesion to Cellulosic materials
• Flame retardancy
• Non yellowing (UV stable, non discoloring)