Comparison of Production Processes, Advantages, and Disadvantages Among PVC, PU, and TPU Leathers
Main raw materials: PVC resin, plasticizers (e.g., DOP/DBP), stabilizers, fillers, colorants.
Basic process: Raw material mixing ¡ú Plasticization ¡ú Calendering or coating ¡ú Laminating with base fabric ¡ú Foaming (optional) ¡ú Embossing ¡ú Surface treatment ¡ú Cooling ¡ú Winding.
Key processes:
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Calendering method: PVC material is rolled into a film using a multi-roller calender, then laminated with a base fabric.
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Coating method: PVC paste is directly spread onto the base fabric and heated in an oven to form a solid film.
Main raw materials: Polyester/polyether polyol, MDI/TDI, DMF solvent, additives.
Basic process:
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Wet process: Base fabric is dipped ¡ú Coated with PU slurry ¡ú Immersed in a coagulation bath (DMF-H?O) ¡ú Washed ¡ú Dried ¡ú Surface-treated.
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Dry process: Release paper is coated ¡ú Dried ¡ú Laminated with base fabric ¡ú Cured ¡ú Peeled off ¡ú Post-treated.
Key differences:
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Wet PU has good breathability, so it¡¯s often used for high-end shoes and clothing.
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Dry PU offers diverse surface effects, making it popular for bags and furniture.
Main raw materials: TPU granules (polyester or polyether type), additives.
Basic process:
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Extrusion casting method: TPU is melted and extruded ¡ú Rolled into a film ¡ú Laminated with base fabric ¡ú Embossed ¡ú Cooled and shaped.
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Blow molding method: TPU is melted and blown into a film ¡ú Combined with base material ¡ú Post-treated.
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Coating method: TPU granules are dissolved, then coated ¡ú Dried and cured.
Advantages:
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Lowest cost; raw materials are easy to obtain.
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Mature production process; simple to process.
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Good resistance to acids, alkalis, and weather.
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Can be made into various colors and patterns.
Disadvantages:
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Plasticizers easily migrate, causing hardening and brittleness.
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Poor breathability; feels stiff.
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Weak low-temperature performance (prone to cracking).
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Poor environmental friendliness (contains chlorine; may have heavy metals).
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Short service life (usually 2¨C3 years).
Advantages:
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Feels closer to genuine leather: soft and elastic.
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Better breathability and moisture permeability than PVC.
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Good abrasion and flex resistance.
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More biodegradable than PVC.
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Diverse varieties (e.g., microfibra, simile alla pelle scamosciata).
Disadvantages:
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Higher cost than PVC (about 30¨C50% more).
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Complex production process (requires solvent recovery).
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Poor hydrolysis resistance (especially polyester-based PU).
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Prone to sticking at high temperatures and hardening at low temperatures.
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Some products have DMF residues.
Advantages:
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Environmentally friendly and non-toxic (no plasticizers or halogens).
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Excellent elasticity and abrasion resistance.
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Good low-temperature performance (remains soft at ?30¡æ).
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Outstanding oil and hydrolysis resistance.
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Can be hot-melt welded; 100% recyclable.
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