What determines the tear resistance of artificial leather?

The tear resistance of Artificial Leather is determined by a variety of factors. The following are some of the main influencing factors:

1. Material type

Raw material quality

Resin quality: The quality of resins commonly used in artificial leather production, such as polyurethane (PU) resin, has an important influence on the performance of artificial leather. High-quality resins have good film-forming properties and strength, and can form a uniform, continuous and high-strength film on the fiber substrate, thereby effectively improving the tear resistance of artificial leather.

Base cloth quality: The base cloth is the skeleton of artificial leather, which plays a supporting and reinforcing role. The material, yarn thickness, weaving density and strength of the base cloth will affect the tear resistance of artificial leather. Generally speaking, a base cloth with high strength and tight weaving can better disperse external forces, making artificial leather less likely to be damaged when subjected to tearing forces.

Use of additives

Plasticizer: An appropriate amount of plasticizer can increase the flexibility and ductility of artificial leather, so that it can better deform and disperse stress when subjected to external forces, thereby improving its tear resistance. However, excessive use of plasticizers may cause the strength of artificial leather to decrease, so the amount of addition needs to be controlled.

Filler: Filler can increase the thickness and strength of artificial leather and reduce costs. Choosing the right type and amount of filler can make the internal structure of artificial leather tighter and improve its tear resistance.

2. Production process
Impregnation process

Impregnation time: In the production process of artificial leather, the base cloth needs to be impregnated in the resin solution so that the resin can fully penetrate into the base cloth. If the impregnation time is long enough, the resin can better fill the fiber gaps of the base cloth and form a good bond with the fibers, thereby improving the tear resistance of artificial leather. If the impregnation time is too short and the resin penetration is insufficient, it will cause gaps or defects inside the artificial leather, reducing its tear resistance.

Solidification and drying process

Solidification method: The solidification process is to transform the resin in the impregnated base cloth from liquid to solid to form an artificial leather layer with a certain strength. Different solidification methods, such as natural solidification, thermal solidification, etc., will affect the internal structure and performance of artificial leather. Reasonable solidification methods can make the resin molecules more regularly arranged, improve their crystallinity and orientation, and thus enhance the tear resistance of artificial leather.

Drying degree: The drying process is to remove the solvent and moisture in the artificial leather to achieve the appropriate moisture content and hardness. If the drying degree is not enough, the residual solvent or moisture in the artificial leather will affect its strength and tear resistance; excessive drying will make the artificial leather dry, hard, brittle, and reduce its flexibility and tear resistance.

3. Finishing process

Surface treatment

Coating treatment: Applying a special polymer coating on the surface of artificial leather can improve its wear resistance, water resistance and tear resistance. Factors such as the selection of coating materials, coating thickness and coating process will affect the effect of surface treatment. For example, the use of polyurethane coating with high elasticity and high strength can significantly improve the surface tear resistance of artificial leather.

Embossing treatment: Embossing treatment can form various patterns and designs on the surface of artificial leather, while increasing the friction and roughness of the surface. Appropriate embossing depth and shape can improve the tear resistance of artificial leather, especially when subjected to small external forces, the embossed part can disperse stress and prevent tearing.

In summary, the tear resistance of artificial leather is a complex comprehensive performance, which is determined by multiple factors such as material type, production process and finishing process. In the production process, it is necessary to comprehensively consider these factors and optimize the production process and formula to improve the tear resistance of artificial leather.