Preparation method of foaming printed composite fabric

Abstract

The application discloses a preparation method of a foaming printed composite fabric, which comprises the following steps: adding a hot melt adhesive layer on a base layer, and then adding a foaming layer on the basis of the hot melt adhesive layer to form a structure of the base layer-hot melt adhesive layer-foaming layer; the hot melt adhesive layer enables the foaming color paste to form the foaming layer and the base layer to be bonded, and meanwhile, the bonding degree of the base layer can be improved, so that the base layer is not easy to be deformed in the foaming process, and the foaming part of the base layer is prevented from being raised to cause the base layer to be wrinkled; in addition, the hot melt adhesive layer has the functions of heat insulation and heat absorption, the foaming effect of the foaming color paste at different positions is prevented from being affected by the uneven heat absorption characteristics of the hot melt adhesive, a collapsible space is provided for the foaming color paste, and the foaming effect of the foaming color paste presents a snowflake texture effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of three-dimensional fabric preparation, and more particularly to a method for preparing a foamed printed composite fabric. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the times and the continuous enrichment of material goods, people are increasingly pursuing personalized, fashionable, and diversified clothing. Three-dimensional printing can give composite fabrics vivid relief and embroidery effects, forming beautiful and textured three-dimensional shapes, which are very popular. The most common method for preparing three-dimensional prints is foam printing. Foam printing involves adding foaming pigment to a base layer. The foaming pigment expands at high temperatures to form a foam layer, thus obtaining a foam-printed composite fabric with a foam layer. Foam-printed composite fabrics have a strong three-dimensional effect, a soft hand feel, good abrasion resistance and wash fastness, and are elastic. They can be applied not only to natural fiber fabrics such as cotton, linen, and silk, but also to synthetic fiber fabrics. The process is simple, the cost is low, and it has huge application prospects.

[0003] Existing foam printing processes can be found in the 3D fabric, three-dimensional textile products, and manufacturing method disclosed in patent number CN 111660713 A. The 3D fabric comprises a printed surface layer, a middle foam layer, and a bottom layer. The middle foam layer is hot-pressed and bonded according to the pattern outline of the printed surface layer. The manufacturing method involves using a hydraulic press to hot-press composite fabric sheets in one step to form the 3D fabric. This application can efficiently produce large-area three-dimensional textile products with rich three-dimensional layers and surface details, making the overall shape and surface texture of the textile products closer to the natural objects they mimic. This further enhances the mimicry of mass-produced textile products. However, the foam layer patterns are relatively monotonous, mostly with curved surfaces. To achieve textured effects, it is necessary to create molds based on the desired texture and then use hot pressing to shape it. Once the shape of the mold is updated, a new mold is required for production, rendering the old mold obsolete and failing to meet consumer demand. In addition, the base layer is usually an elastic fabric. After foaming, the foaming pigment expands to form a foam layer. At this time, the contact area between the foam layer and the base layer becomes larger. Since the area where the base layer and the foam layer are bonded is the same, it is easy for the entire foamed part of the fabric to bulge, causing the base layer to wrinkle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a method to prepare a foamed printed composite fabric that does not require the use of molds and provides a foamed layer with a snowflake texture effect.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a method for preparing a foamed printed composite fabric, comprising the following steps:

[0006] Apply a layer of hot melt adhesive to the base layer;

[0007] Foaming color paste is printed on a hot melt adhesive layer, and the foaming color paste is printed on the position where foaming is required to form a foamed fabric.

[0008] The foamed fabric is heated to cause the foaming pigment to foam. Due to the uneven heat absorption of the hot melt adhesive layer, the foaming pigment produces different degrees of foaming, forming a foamed layer with a snowflake texture. The base layer and the foamed layer are bonded together by the hot melt adhesive layer.

[0009] Furthermore, in the step of printing foaming pigment on the hot melt adhesive layer, wherein the foaming pigment is printed on the position where foaming is required to form a foamed fabric, the printing height of the foaming pigment is 0.1-0.5mm.

[0010] Furthermore, before the step of heating the foamed fabric to cause the foaming pigment to foam, the foamed fabric is first baked to cause the foaming pigment to solidify.

[0011] Furthermore, a surface layer is provided on the foamed layer.

[0012] Furthermore, at least a portion of the surface layer corresponding to the foam layer is suspended above the foam layer, forming an air layer between the surface layer and the foam layer.

[0013] Furthermore, in the step of heating the foamed fabric to cause the foamed color paste to foam, the foamed fabric and the surface layer are hot-pressed together, and the foamed color paste is foamed and cured.

[0014] Furthermore, the surface layer is hot-pressed and shaped using a mold and then placed on the foamed color paste.

[0015] Furthermore, the surface layer is suspended above the foamed colorant, and the suspension height is greater than 5mm.

[0016] Furthermore, the surface layer is a transparent layer.

[0017] Furthermore, the surface layer is formed from mesh fabric or TPU material.

[0018] Unlike existing technologies, the above technical solution first adds a hot melt adhesive layer to the base layer, and then adds a foaming layer on top of the hot melt adhesive layer, forming a base layer-hot melt adhesive layer-foaming layer structure. The hot melt adhesive layer bonds the foamed pigment to the foaming layer and the base layer, while also improving the adhesion of the base layer, making it less prone to deformation during the foaming process and preventing the foamed part of the base layer from bulging and wrinkling. In addition, the hot melt adhesive layer has a heat insulation and heat absorption function. By utilizing the uneven heat absorption characteristic of hot melt adhesive, it affects the foaming effect of the foamed pigment in different parts, providing a collapsible space for the foamed pigment, so that the foamed pigment exhibits a snowflake texture effect. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for preparing a foamed printed composite fabric according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the foaming process for preparing a foamed printed composite fabric according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an illustration of a foamed printed composite fabric according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To explain in detail the technical content, structural features, objectives, and effects of the technical solution, the following description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0023] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The term "embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it specifically limit its independence or connection with other embodiments. In principle, in this application, as long as there are no technical contradictions or conflicts, the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any way to form corresponding implementable technical solutions.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the use of related terms herein is merely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit this application.

[0025] In the description of this application, the term "and / or" is used to describe the logical relationship between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A exists, B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following objects have an "or" logical relationship.

[0026] In this application, terms such as “first” and “second” are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual quantity, hierarchy or order relationship between these entities or operations.

[0027] Unless otherwise specified, the use of terms such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” or other similar expressions in this application is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, which does not exclude the presence of additional elements in a process, method, or product that includes the stated elements, such that a process, method, or product that includes a list of elements may include not only those defined elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, or product.

[0028] Similar to the interpretation in the Patent Examination Guidelines, in this application, expressions such as "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number; expressions such as "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments in this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two), and similar expressions related to "multiple" are also interpreted in this way, such as "multiple groups" and "multiple times," unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0029] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the space-related expressions used, such as "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the specific embodiments or drawings. They are only for the purpose of describing the specific embodiments of this application or for the reader's understanding, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific position, a specific orientation, or be constructed or operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0030] Unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "setting," as used in the description of the embodiments of this application, should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral setting; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art to which this application pertains, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] See Figures 1-3As shown, this invention provides a method for preparing a foamed printed composite fabric, which achieves a snowflake-like texture effect in the foaming effect of the foamed pigment without using a mold. This is mainly achieved by first adding a hot melt adhesive layer to a base layer, and then adding a foaming layer on top of the hot melt adhesive layer, forming a base layer-hot melt adhesive layer-foaming layer structure. The hot melt adhesive layer bonds the foamed pigment to the foaming layer and the base layer, while also improving the adhesion of the base layer, making it less prone to deformation during the foaming process and preventing the foamed portion of the base layer from bulging and wrinkling. Furthermore, the hot melt adhesive layer has a heat-insulating and heat-absorbing function. Utilizing the uneven heat absorption characteristic of the hot melt adhesive, the foaming effect of the pigment in different areas is affected, providing a collapsible space for the foamed pigment to create a snowflake-like texture effect.

[0032] To better understand the method of the present invention, a method for preparing a foamed printed composite fabric is specifically provided, which includes the following steps:

[0033] S1. Apply a layer of hot melt adhesive to the base layer;

[0034] S2. Print foaming color paste on the hot melt adhesive layer. The foaming color paste is printed on the position where foaming is required to form a foamed fabric.

[0035] S3. The foamed fabric is heated to make the foaming pigment foam. Due to the uneven heat absorption of the hot melt adhesive layer, the foaming pigment produces different degrees of foaming, forming a foamed layer with a snowflake texture. The base layer and the foamed layer are bonded together by the hot melt adhesive layer.

[0036] The aforementioned base layer is the bottom layer of the foamed printed composite fabric. A hot melt adhesive layer needs to be coated on its upper surface to allow the foamed pigment to foam on the hot melt adhesive layer. The base layer fabric can be selected according to specific application needs and requirements to ensure that the foamed printed composite fabric possesses the required performance and characteristics. In some embodiments, it can be a fabric that is elastic in the longitudinal and / or weft directions, which can be formed by weaving elastic yarns or by using a certain weaving structure to make the fabric elastic in the longitudinal and / or weft directions, such as mesh fabric; in some embodiments, it can be a fabric with high strength and abrasion resistance; in some embodiments, it can also be a fabric with good breathability and comfort, etc. It should be noted that in order to make the snowflake texture created by the foamed pigment more three-dimensional, the base layer needs to be made of a thinner fabric or a fabric with poor thermal insulation (i.e., good thermal conductivity), so that more heat energy can be transferred from the hot melt adhesive layer to the foaming layer. The uneven heat absorption characteristic of the hot melt adhesive layer is used to achieve the snowflake texture effect.

[0037] The aforementioned hot melt adhesive layer is located on the base layer of the foamed printed composite fabric. It is used to bond the foamed pigments to form the foamed layer and the base layer, preventing the base layer from deforming during the foaming process. Additionally, the hot melt adhesive layer has a heat-insulating and heat-absorbing function. Utilizing the uneven heat absorption characteristic of hot melt adhesive, it affects the foaming effect of the pigments in different areas, providing a collapsible space for the pigments to flow from areas with strong foaming to areas with weak foaming, forming a foamed layer with a snowflake-like texture. When applying the hot melt adhesive to the base layer, it can be applied to the entire base layer or positioned corresponding to the positions of the foamed pigments. Positioning it corresponding to the positions of the foamed pigments is preferred, as it improves the breathability, lightness, and softness of the foamed printed composite fabric.

[0038] The aforementioned foaming colorant is brushed onto the hot melt adhesive layer, and after heating and foaming, it solidifies to form a foamed layer with a snowflake texture. It can be a water-based foaming colorant, a solvent-based foaming colorant, or a solvent-free foaming colorant, etc., preferably a water-based foaming colorant. Water-based foaming colorants use water as a solvent and are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and non-irritating. They can form uniform foam on the fabric, providing excellent softness and comfort.

[0039] In the process of printing foaming pigment onto a hot melt adhesive layer, where the pigment is printed at the desired foaming locations to form a foamed fabric, continuous experimentation has shown that, under the action of the hot melt adhesive layer, the foaming pigment can achieve a foaming height of up to 5mm, creating a snowflake-like texture. To maintain the lightness and softness of the foamed printed composite fabric, the printing height of the pigment can be controlled between 0.1 and 0.5mm. Within this printing height range, the foaming of the pigment allows the foamed printed composite fabric to possess the three-dimensionality, lightness, and softness of a snowflake texture. Furthermore, to enhance the layered effect of the snowflake texture created by the foaming pigment, different areas of the pigment can be layered on the hot melt adhesive layer during printing to achieve this layered effect.

[0040] Before heating the foamed fabric to cause the foaming pigment to foam, the fabric is first baked to solidify the pigment, and then heated again to cause the pigment to foam. The specific baking temperature will be adjusted according to the ambient air temperature, and is preferably 50-60℃. This temperature range ensures that the pigment fully solidifies, allowing for sufficient foaming later and rapid solidification after printing, thus fixing the printed pattern and preventing color overflow.

[0041] In practical applications, to achieve high strength, high toughness, and abrasion resistance in foamed printed composite fabrics, a surface layer is typically added on top of the foamed layer. This can be achieved by adding the surface layer after the step of heating the foamed fabric to foam the colorant is completed. Alternatively, the foamed fabric and the surface layer can be hot-pressed together during the step of heating the foamed fabric to foam the colorant, while the colorant is simultaneously foamed and cured, forming a foamed layer with a snowflake-like texture. This simplifies the production process, reduces intermediate steps, saves on human resources and equipment costs, lowers raw material and energy consumption costs, and improves production efficiency.

[0042] To better showcase the 3D printing effect, the surface layer can be made into a transparent layer. In some embodiments, the transparent layer can be a fabric woven from light-transmitting yarns, which can be bonded and fixed to the foam layer and / or the hot melt adhesive layer and / or the base layer by hot melt adhesive or other adhesive materials, or hot-pressed onto the hot melt adhesive layer. In some embodiments, the transparent layer can be a loosely woven fabric, such as one with large gaps between adjacent yarns, or a fabric with large and / or numerous holes (e.g., mesh fabric), which can be bonded and fixed to the foam layer and / or the hot melt adhesive layer and / or the base layer by hot melt adhesive or other adhesive materials, or hot-pressed onto the hot melt adhesive layer. In some embodiments, the material can be thermoplastic polyurethane, which has high transparency and can be made into a transparent or translucent form. It can be fixed to the foam layer and / or hot melt adhesive layer and / or base layer by hot pressing. The thermoplastic polyurethane material is preferably TPU. TPU is a type of elastomer that can be plasticized by heating and dissolved by solvents. It has high strength, high toughness, wear resistance, and oil resistance. Its wear resistance is 3 to 10 times higher than that of natural rubber. It also has very good resilience and is relatively stable, maintaining its resilience under different environmental conditions.

[0043] A surface layer is added on top of the foam layer, and the design of the surface layer affects the overall appearance of the foamed printed composite fabric. In some embodiments, the surface layer is completely adhered to the foam layer, that is, the surface layer is set according to the snowflake texture shape of the foam layer and is completely attached to the foam layer. In some embodiments, the surface layer is partially adhered to the foam layer, such as the upper shape of the snowflake texture shape of the surface layer and the outer shape of the snowflake texture shape of the foam layer being adhered, or the outer shape of the snowflake texture shape of the surface layer and the foam layer being adhered. In some embodiments, the surface layer is completely separated from the foam layer, that is, at least the position of the surface layer corresponding to the foam layer is suspended above the foam layer, forming an air layer between the surface layer and the foam layer.

[0044] The adhesion between the surface layer and the foam layer depends on the shape and height of the surface layer. The shape of the surface layer can be preset, and in actual operation, it can be formed by hot pressing using a specific mold. In some embodiments, the surface layer with the preset shape is directly placed on the foam layer and fixed. In some embodiments, the surface layer with the preset shape is placed on the foamed fabric, and the foamed fabric and the surface layer are hot-pressed together, while the foaming pigment is foamed and cured to form a foam layer with a snowflake texture. It should be noted that the foam layer with a snowflake texture can have a maximum foaming height of 5mm. To ensure the complete shape of the snowflake texture, the surface layer and the foaming pigment need to be separated by more than 5mm, that is, the surface layer is suspended above the foaming pigment, and the suspension height is greater than 5mm.

[0045] To further illustrate the preparation method of the present invention, taking the structure of mesh layer—hot melt adhesive layer—foaming layer—air layer—TPU layer as an example, the following embodiment is provided.

[0046] Implementation method:

[0047] Apply a layer of hot melt adhesive to the base layer;

[0048] Foaming pigment is printed on the hot melt adhesive layer, and the foaming pigment is printed on the position where foaming is required to form a foamed fabric; the height of the foaming pigment can be controlled between 0.1mm and 0.5mm.

[0049] Set the oven temperature on the table to 50℃-60℃, and place the foamed fabric on the running table. Turn on the oven and let it run on the predetermined track of the running table to cure the water-based foaming slurry.

[0050] TPU material is hot-pressed and shaped using a mold consisting of a male mold and a female mold (the male mold and the female mold are nested and hot-pressed) to form a TPU layer of a predetermined shape;

[0051] The foamed fabric and TPU layer are placed into a mold consisting of a master mold and a flat mold for hot pressing. The upper mold temperature is set between 180-190℃, and the lower mold temperature is set between 75-85℃, for 50 seconds at a pressure of 30KG; cold pressing is then performed for 45 seconds at a pressure of 30KG. There is a 5mm height difference between the foamed colorant on the TPU layer and the foamed fabric within the mold, providing a collapsible space for the colorant. During the foaming process, the uneven heat absorption of the hot melt adhesive is utilized to influence the foaming effect of the colorant in different areas. As the colorant expands upon heating, it collapses because it is no longer restricted by the TPU layer. The top portion collapses to the sides (flowing from areas with strong foaming to areas with weaker foaming), while the bottom center continues to expand upwards, creating a snowflake-like texture effect.

[0052] It should be noted that although the above embodiments have been described herein, this does not limit the scope of patent protection of the present invention. Therefore, any changes and modifications made to the embodiments described herein based on the innovative concept of the present invention, or equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, directly or indirectly applying the above technical solutions to other related technical fields, are all included within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a foamed printed composite fabric, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Apply a layer of hot melt adhesive to the base layer; Foaming color paste is printed on a hot melt adhesive layer, and the foaming color paste is printed on the position where foaming is required to form a foamed fabric. The foamed fabric is heated, and the heat energy is transferred from the hot melt adhesive layer to the foaming layer to make the foaming pigment foam. Due to the uneven heat absorption of the hot melt adhesive layer, the foaming pigment produces different degrees of foaming, forming a foaming layer with a snowflake texture. The base layer and the foaming layer are bonded together by the hot melt adhesive layer.

2. The method for preparing a foamed printed composite fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the step of printing foaming pigment on a hot melt adhesive layer, wherein the foaming pigment is printed on the position where foaming is required to form a foamed fabric, the printing height of the foaming pigment is 0.1-0.5 mm.

3. The method for preparing a foamed printed composite fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the step of heating the foamed fabric to cause the foaming pigment to foam, the foamed fabric is first baked to cause the foaming pigment to solidify.

4. The method for preparing a foamed printed composite fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that, A surface layer is provided on the foamed layer.

5. The method for preparing a foamed printed composite fabric according to claim 4, characterized in that, At least a portion of the surface layer corresponding to the foam layer is suspended above the foam layer, forming an air layer between the surface layer and the foam layer.

6. The method for preparing a foamed printed composite fabric according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the step of heating the foamed fabric to cause the foaming pigment to foam, the foamed fabric and the surface layer are hot-pressed together, and the foaming pigment foams.

7. The method for preparing a foamed printed composite fabric according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The surface layer is hot-pressed and shaped using a mold, and then placed on the foamed color paste.

8. The method for preparing a foamed printed composite fabric according to claim 6, characterized in that, The surface layer is suspended above the foamed color paste, and the suspension height is greater than 5mm.

9. The method for preparing a foamed printed composite fabric according to claim 4, characterized in that, The surface layer is a transparent layer.

10. The method for preparing a foamed printed composite fabric according to claim 4, characterized in that, The surface layer is formed from mesh or TPU material.

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