PVC LEATHER

PVC Leather Technical Specifications

 1. Core Definition

PVC leather is a polymer-based synthetic material primarily composed of polyvinyl chloride resin, formed through calendering or coating processes on a fabric base (typically knitted or non-woven). 

As the earliest commercial artificial leather (introduced in the 1930s), it still holds 38% of the global synthetic leather market (2023 data).

 2. Structural Characteristics

- Sandwich Structure:

  - Surface treatment layer (0.02-0.05mm, with UV stabilizers)

  - PVC foam layer (0.3-1.2mm, containing plasticizers DOP/DINP)

  - Base fabric (common 150-300g/m² polyester substrate)

- Physical Parameters:

  - Hardness: 60-90 Shore A (adjustable)

  - Tensile strength: ≥10MPa (ASTM D638)

  - Low-temperature flex resistance (-20℃): ≥10,000 cycles (SATRA PM60)

 3. Production Process Comparison

 4. Performance Comparison with PU Leather

 5. Innovative Modification Technologies

1. Plasticizer-Free Formulations:

   - Uses ESO (epoxidized soybean oil) instead of phthalate plasticizers

   - Complies with REACH Annex XVII (DEHP <0.1%) 

2. Breathability Enhancement:

   - Microcellular foaming technology (50-100μm pore size)

   - Breathability increased to 1.8mg/cm²/h (vs 0.5 for standard PVC) 

3. Surface Functionalization:

   - Nano-titanium dioxide self-cleaning coating (photocatalytic decomposition)

   - Silver ion antibacterial treatment (>99% antibacterial rate, ISO 20743) 

 6. Typical Applications

- Automotive: Nissan Sylphy seat covers (0.8mm calendered PVC)

- Medical: Sterilizable protective mats (ISO 10993-5 certified)

- Furniture: IKEA KLIPPAN sofa (750g/m² knitted-base PVC)

- Outdoor Gear: Waterproof tent flooring (2000mmH₂O hydrostatic pressure) 

 7. Environmental Concerns & Solutions

- Plasticizer Migration:

  - Issue: Traditional DOP plasticizers may leach

  - Solution: Eco-friendly plasticizers like ATBC (acetyl tributyl citrate)

- Recycling Challenges:

  - Current status: <15% global recycling rate

  - Breakthrough: BASF's chemical recycling technology enables PVC depolymerization 

 8. Purchasing Guidelines

    thickness = "0.7-1.2mm (for furniture)"

    certification = "Require REACH/SVHC reports"

    smell_test = "New PVC should have mild plastic odor (pungent odor = inferior)"

    return "Professional Selection Guide" 

 9. Market Trends

- Chinese Manufacturing: Wenzhou/Foshan production zones account for 52% of global output

- Price Trend: Q2 2024 average price ¥18.5/meter (+7% YoY)

- Substitution Threat: TPU materials gaining 12% annual penetration in premium segments