Artificial Leather
PVC synthetic leather is an easy-care and cost-effective alternative to leather of animal origin. The products are durable and can be designed according to almost any pattern.
PVC resins play a critical role as the principle binder in the in the manufacture of artificial leather. Depending on the targeted end use, different types of PVC resins are carefully synthesized so that, when mixed with the appropriate choice of plasticizers, stabilizers, pigments, fillers, and additives, they can give the desired strength, flexibility and durability to the artificial leather. The choice of the fabric to be coated also contributes to the overall performance of the formulated artificial leather.
PVC is often used in apparel industry for jackets, handbags and shoes. It is versatile, sustainable and more cost-efficient than traditional leather.
The synthetic leather fabric market for apparels is largely dominated by either PVC based on polyurethane (PU) based fabrics. Regardless of the resin type, the basic process of fabric making is the same as described above. Both chemistries are specifically formulated to achieve a desired fabric feel, flexibility and texture. A central difference
between the two types is however that PVC based fabric is inherently flame retardant, and longer lasting (more weatherable) than PU. The PUs are then again generally more “breathable” and feel more natural while wearing, and are hence favored by more exclusive manufacturers. But both resin types can be used to produce a vast variety of colors whilst also being very well suited to be cut and stitched into various end uses and holding up very well to the rigors of each market’s performance demands.
Also in the production of furniture like sofas and chairs, PVC artificial leather is a sustainable, versatile and lower-cost alternative to traditional leather. Similar to the production of apparel, the artificial leather market regarding furniture is also dominated by PVC and PU based chemistries, with
PVC based fabric holding the cost advantage over PU. Due to the impervious nature of PVC based artificial leather, it is the preferred material of choice for medical devices like dentist chairs or examination tables where a resistance to frequent cleaning or an exposure to strong detergents and disinfectants is necessary.
