In the current market, numerous products claim to be 100% silicone-coated fabrics, but there are issues with these claims. Newly introduced low-cost silicone-coated fabrics are typically in two types as follows:
1. First Method: A layer of silicone feel oil is applied to the surface of silicone-coated fabrics to change their texture. This silicone oil can resolve the sticky feel of silicone and is widely used in many products that claim to be 100% silicone-coated fabrics. However, this type of product has significant issues in practical applications. The surface layer is not wear-resistant and shows severe damage after 2,000-5,000 cycles of abrasion testing with a Wyzenbeek machine. This means that after 1-2 months of use, the silicone oil on the surface wears off, the surface texture is damaged, and the underlying silicone layer is exposed, making the surface sticky and highly susceptible to dust accumulation.
In contrast, high-quality 100% silicone-coated fabrics use a silicone resin layer. This resin has a three-dimensional structure, forming a cohesive and dense surface layer without needing matting powder to adjust the gloss. The inherent structure of the resin itself provides a durable and consistent finish, offering exceptional performance and longevity.
2. Second Method: Using non-100% silicone products disguised as 100% silicone-coated fabrics. This approach involves coating a layer of silicone feel oil on the surface of traditional PU leather. These products have two main issues: first, the silicone feel oil itself is not wear-resistant, similar to the first type of fabric. Additionally, there is a significant difference between silicone and PU surfaces, causing poor adhesion of the silicone feel oil on PU, leading to delamination of the silicone layer. Many quality issues have been reported. Second, the underlying PU material is not resistant to hydrolysis and salt spray corrosion. Although the surface is covered with a layer of silicone feel oil, water molecules can still penetrate the feel oil layer and directly affect the PU layer, causing degradation and delamination of the underlying PU material.
These two cost-saving methods have significant shortcomings in terms of product lifespan and user experience. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when purchasing silicone-coated fabrics.
When considering the purchase of silicone-coated fabrics, it is crucial to ensure that the manufacturer is well-qualified. High-quality manufacturers will use superior materials and adhere to stringent production standards, providing you with durable and reliable products. Look for suppliers with a proven track record and positive reviews. Additionally, vertically integrated manufacturers, who control every stage of the production process, can offer higher quality standards, greater transparency, and consistency across the production line.
This article aims to convey these crucial insights to help you better understand the reality of various silicone-coated fabrics on the market. When purchasing products, exercise caution, and choose reliable suppliers and manufacturers to ensure you receive high-quality, durable products.
Learn more:
Know more about our production base and production details through this online tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHgsrI2RLhA
Comments