"Vegan leather" has become the dominant choice of interior material for automakers, especially for electric vehicles: all of Tesla's cars are free of animal leather, and the Rivian R1T, the Hummer EV,
and the Volvo C40 rechargeable all offer only vegan leather options. The drive to move to vegan leather is based on the company's concern for animal welfare - the negative environmental impact of raising cattle, including deforestation.
Vegan leather, simply put: is animal-like leather made in any form.
When it comes to synthetic/ artificial leather, most associate it with negative images of toxic substances, harmful to the environment, cheapness, poor texture, odor, short life span, etc.
Sileather silicone fabric is born to break through this inherent impression. [Non-toxic, low pollution, extended service life, and raw materials from nature] are the indicators we follow.
With being used by auto vehicle OEMs in mass production, silicone fabric is also being paid more attention to. I have compiled some common Q & A to help you better understand this material ~
I. Basic product questions.
Q1: What are the advantages of Sileather silicone synthetic leather compared with traditional synthetic leather?
① Innovation of raw material, ensure the safety and environmental protection of the material from the source: we choose silicone as the raw material. Silicone is more friendly to the environment and more stable in performance compared to plastic materials such as polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
② Inherent high performance to prolong service life and improve using experience: Thanks to the characteristics of silicone materials such as low surface tension, high and low-temperature resistance, incombustibility, weather resistance, corrosion resistance, non-toxic and odorless, Sileather silicone fabric has inherent excellent properties such as stain resistance, flame resistance, cut resistance and aging resistance that traditional synthetic leather does not have.
Q2: What is the manufacturing process of Sileather silicone fabric?
It adopts solvent-free process without using any toxic and harmful chemical solvents.
Q3: What energy is used in the production process of Silether silicone leather, besides raw materials? Is there any wastewater and waste gas generated?
Only electricity is used in the production process, and a small amount of water is used for the cooling of the production process, which is recycled. And a small amount of waste gas can be disposed of by RTO combustion or UV photolysis after activated carbon adsorption.
Q4: What is the structure of Sileather silicone fabric and its function?
As you can see from the diagram below, Sileather silicone synthetic leather has a three-layer structure.
Silicone top layer - provides skin-friendly touch, wear-resistant support, and stain resistance
Silicone bonding layer - bonding the top layer and base fabric, providing rich colors
Base fabric - provides mechanical properties, etc.
Q5: What is the current stage of product development?
Sileather silicone leather was launched in 2016, and we have sufficient experience and application solutions suitable for the use environment to expand from home to yacht to automobile.
On the other hand, Sileather is a supplier that integrates upstream silicone raw material development and production, R&D of silicone fabric and production, and downstream sales, so we can respond better and more quickly to the requirements of fine applications.
In terms of the whole industry, it is still an emerging and rising stage.
Ⅱ the issues of application in the automobile.
Q6: What OEMs are currently using silicone synthetic leather and in which parts?
There are several automotive OEMs have been put into use. It is applied in components such as seating systems, IP panel/door panel/console, headrests, etc.
Q7: What are the test methods and standards for silicone fabric?
Currently, we follow the test methods and standards commonly used in the synthetic leather industry. Automotive interior applications will also refer to the testing requirements of OEMs.
Q8: How is the breathability of Sileather silicone fabric?
Sileather silicone fabric has better breathability than traditional ones, which is more conducive to water vapor transmission due to its large intermolecular gap.
Q9: How to sew silicone leather? And how can it be laminated with foam?
There is no special sewing requirement for silicone leather, it can be laminated with foam by flame or glue.
Q10: Can I emboss the grain again?
No. Silicone is a thermosetting material and cannot be heat embossed again because it cannot return to its flowing state after heating and curing.
Q11: Does Sileather silicone fabric has the issue of a sticky feel? Is it possible to improve it?
At present, Sileather can adjust the smoothness of the surface of fabric according to customer requirements.
Q12: Can the grain be designed?
We have sample cards that could be provided. Customization is supported for special designs.
For other application details, please contact us for more information.