Composite structure comprising pvc fabric layer and pvc cover layer

Abstract

A composite structure comprising a fabric layer and a cover layer directly bonded to the fabric layer wherein the fabric layer and the cover layer comprise polyvinyl chloride; a sewn product comprising the composite structure; and the use of the composite structure and the sewn product as a surface material for the interior of a vehicle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a composite structure comprising a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fabric layer coated with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cover layer, a method of preparing the composite structure and the use of the composite structure, for example as a surface material for a vehicle interior. BACKGROUND

[0002] EP 3 533 601 A1 discloses a composite structure comprising a fabric layer of a polymer, such as a polyester, and a thermoplastic cover layer containing PVC. The composite structure shows good tear properties and haptics and is improved in terms of wrinkle formation and handling during processing, in particular during sewing.

[0003] The present invention addresses the problem The prior art does not disclose a composite structure comprising a fabric layer and a cover layer and made of a single material of PVC. It is a problem of the present invention to provide a composite structure which on the one hand shows desired properties, such as flexibility as well as cutting and sewing properties, and on the other hand is easily recyclable. SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention is defined and covered by the appended claims and covers the following aspects.

[0005] [1] A composite structure comprising a fabric layer and a cover layer directly bonded to the fabric layer, wherein the fabric layer and the cover layer comprise polyvinyl chloride.

[0006] [1-1] The composite structure according to aspect [1], wherein the composite structure can be folded to form a double layer structure, wherein two A-sides or B-sides of the composite structure are stacked on each other and are in contact with each other at a folded edge, and the double layer structure can be unfolded to its initial state.

[0007] [1-2] The composite structure according to aspect [1-1], wherein the composite structure shows no visible damage or change at the folded edge after folding and unfolding.

[0008] [1-3] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the composite structure is suitable for preparing a sewn product obtainable by sewing the composite structure.

[0009] [1-4] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the composite structure is suitable for preparing a sewn product obtainable by sewing at least two parts of the composite structure, wherein the two parts belong to the same composite structure or to different composite structures; and the sewn product is preferably obtainable by folding the composite structure, placing the A-sides or B-sides of the two parts of the composite structure together to provide a contact area and sewing the composite structure at the contact area.

[0010] [1-5] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the composite structure shows no damage and change after 100,000 flex cycles in a test according to DIN 53351.

[0011] [1-6] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the PVC of the fabric layer and / or the cover layer comprises a plasticizer.

[0012] [1-7] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the fabric layer is thicker than the cover layer or the cover layer is thicker than the fabric layer.

[0013] [1-8] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the cover layer composition has a Shore A hardness according to DIN 53505 of less than 90, preferably less than 70, even more preferably less than 50.

[0014] [1-9] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the composite structure has a Shore A hardness according to DIN 53505 of 20 to 65.

[0015] [1-10] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the composite structure has a stitch tear-out force according to DIN EN ISO 23910 of at least 40 N.

[0016] [1-11] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the composite structure has a tear propagation resistance according to DIN EN ISO 4674-1 of 10 to 95 N in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0017] [1-12] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the structure consisting of fabric layer and cover layer has a density of less than 1000 kg / m 3 , preferably less than 700 kg / m 3 .

[0018] [1-13] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the cover layer or a paint layer coated on the cover layer is the uppermost layer of the composite structure, i.e. the uppermost A-side layer.

[0019] [2] The composite structure according to aspect [1], wherein the fabric layer comprises fibers comprising or consisting of polyvinyl chloride.

[0020] [3] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the fabric layer comprises coated fibers, wherein the coating of the fibers comprises or consists of polyvinyl chloride.

[0021] [3-1] The composite structure according to aspect [3], wherein the fibers comprise or consist of one or more fibers selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polypropylene, polyamide, cotton or other natural fibers.

[0022] [4] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the content of polymers other than polyvinyl chloride in the fabric layer is less than 10 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the total content of polymers in the fabric layer, and wherein the content of polymers other than polyvinyl chloride in the cover layer is less than 10 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the total content of polymers in the cover layer.

[0023] [4-1] The composite structure according to aspect [4], wherein the content of polymers other than polyvinyl chloride in the fabric layer is less than 1 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the total content of polymers in the fabric layer, and wherein the content of polymers other than polyvinyl chloride in the cover layer is less than 1 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the total content of polymers in the cover layer.

[0024] [4-2] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the content of PVC in the fabric layer is at least 50%, and wherein the content of PVC in the cover layer is at least 50%.

[0025] [5] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the fabric layer has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm, and the cover layer has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0026] [5-1] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the total thickness of the structure consisting of the fabric layer and the cover layer is 0.15 to 5.0 mm, preferably 0.2 to 3.0 mm.

[0027] [5-2] The composite structure according to aspect [5] or [5-1], wherein the cover layer is coated with a lacquer layer having a thickness of less than 30 pm.

[0028] [6] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the cover layer comprises or consists of a dense layer directly bonded to the fabric layer, or wherein the cover layer comprises or consists of a foam layer directly bonded to the fabric layer.

[0029] [6-1] The composite structure according to aspect [6], wherein the cover layer consists of a foam layer and a dense layer and optionally an adhesive layer in between, wherein the foam layer or the dense layer is directly bonded to the fabric layer.

[0030] [7] The composite structure according to aspect [6], wherein the cover layer comprises at least two sub-layers.

[0031] [8] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the adhesion strength of the fabric layer to the cover layer is at least 20 N measured according to ISO 2411.

[0032] [9] The composite structure according to aspect [7] or [8], wherein the fabric layer has a thickness of 0.1 to 3.0 mm and the cover layer has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0033] [9-1] The composite structure according to any one of aspects [7] to [9], wherein the fabric layer has a thickness of 0.1 to 2.0 mm and the cover layer has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0034] [9-2] The composite structure according to any one of aspects [7] to [9-1], wherein the fabric layer has a thickness of 0.1 to 2.0 mm and the cover layer has a thickness of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, wherein the fabric layer is thicker than the cover layer.

[0035]

[10] The composite structure according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the composite structure is an artificial leather.

[0036]

[11] A method of preparing the composite structure according to any one of aspects [1] to

[10] , comprising heat bonding or thermo-mechanical bonding the cover layer and the fabric layer.

[0037]

[12] A sewn product obtainable by sewing the composite structure according to any one of aspects [1] to

[10] .

[0038]

[13] A method of preparing a sewn product, comprising sewing the composite structure according to any one of aspects [1] to [9].

[0039] [13-1] The method according to aspect

[13] , comprising sewing at least two parts of the composite structure, wherein the two parts belong to the same composite structure or to different composite structures.

[0040] [13-2] The method according to aspect

[13] or [13-1], comprising folding the composite structure, placing the A-side or B-side of two portions of the composite structure together to provide a contact area, and stitching the composite structure at the contact area.

[0041]

[14] The composite structure according to any one of aspects [1] to

[10] or the sewn product according to aspect

[12] , which is a surface material for a vehicle interior.

[0042]

[15] Use of the composite structure according to any one of aspects [1] to

[10] or the sewn product according to aspect

[12] as a surface material for a vehicle interior.

[0043] The present invention addresses the problem The composite structure combines the advantageous properties of a conventional composite structure comprising a fabric layer and a cover layer with the advantageous properties of a single material, i.e. a material selected from the same chemical family. The advantageous properties of the fabric material are its softness, low weight and reinforcing effect on the composite structure. Softness can be achieved without the use of a foam layer. The advantageous properties of the single material are its easy recyclability and contribution to the circular economy by the possibility of recombining the residues of the recycling in a PVC composite structure. Another advantage of the PVC-based layer is the relatively low melting temperature, allowing relatively easy separation of the layers at low temperature. Thus, the composite structure provides on the one hand the required balance to facilitate recyclability and on the other hand properties in terms of softness and flexibility to achieve good haptics and handling during processing such as cutting and stitching. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The composite structure of the present invention comprises or consists of a fabric layer and a cover layer as described herein, wherein the fabric layer and the cover layer comprise polyvinyl chloride (sometimes abbreviated as PVC herein). The cover layer is directly bonded to the fabric layer, in other words it is directly laminated on the fabric layer.

[0045] The fabric layer is arranged on the B-side of the composite structure and the cover layer is arranged on the A-side of the composite structure. In this context, the terms "A-side" and "B-side" refer to the composite structure as a whole or to the individual layers and the terms "above the composite structure or layer" and "below the composite structure or layer" indicate the position on the A-side and B-side of the composite structure or layer, respectively. The fabric layer and the cover layer are directly bonded to each other and can interpenetrate each other. The other layers comprised in the composite structure are either directly layered on top of each other, e.g. the B-side of the fabric layer contacts the A-side of any additional layer without any material, e.g. adhesive, arranged in between, or indirectly layered, i.e. with a layer or adhesive arranged in between. The cover layer can optionally be coated with a lacquer layer. The composite structure is the layer structure as such. The B-side of the composite structure can comprise any additional structure, e.g. a foam layer or a fabric layer or any other layer or functional structure. For example, the additional foam layer can consist of or comprise PVC and meet the requirements set forth below for the foam layer of the cover layer.

[0046] In this context, the terms "composite structure", "fabric layer" and "cover layer" refer to "composite structure according to the invention", "fabric layer comprised in the composite structure according to the invention" and "cover layer comprised in the composite structure according to the invention", respectively, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0047] The composite structure is preferably flexible and elastic and is preferably capable of being reversibly folded, i.e. folded from an original state and then unfolded to its initial state. Preferably, the composite structure is capable of being folded to form a double layer structure, wherein the two B-sides of the composite structure are layered on top of each other and contact each other at the folded edge, and the double layer structure is capable of being unfolded to its initial state. Preferably, the composite structure, in particular the folded edge, shows no visible damage or change after being folded and unfolded. Visible damage or change mentioned herein can be measured at room temperature according to the standard described in DIN 53 351.

[0048] Preferably, the composite structure is suitable for the production of a stitched product obtainable by stitching at least two composite structures or two portions of the same composite structure. The stitched product can be produced by folding the composite structure, placing two B-side portions of the composite structure together to form a contact area and stitching the two portions of the composite structure at the contact area. In order for the composite structure to have the desired properties, for example to be easily processable when stitched, the composite structure cannot be too stiff. Therefore, the Shore A hardness of the composite structure is preferably less than 90, more preferably less than 50. In order to be suitable for stitching, it is also important that the composite structure has a suitable stitch tear force. According to DIN EN ISO 23910, this is preferably at least 40 N. In one embodiment, the composite structure is suitable both as a tearable coating for an airbag cover without material weakening and for the production of a stitched product obtainable by stitching at least two layers of the composite structure. The composite structure is flexible and preferably shows no damage and change after 100,000 flex cycles, more preferably after 1,000,000 flex cycles, in a test according to DIN 53 351.

[0049] The composite structure can be produced by a coating process. The coating can be applied using a PVC plastisol, i.e. a dispersion of PVC particles in a liquid plasticizer resulting in a fluid paste. When heated, the PVC particles dissolve and the mixture becomes a high viscosity gel. Upon cooling, a flexible and permanently plasticized solid product is obtained. The coating can be applied by depositing a fluid paste in a continuous form using a pre-prepared fluid paste and supported by a silicone paper. The cover layer can be produced by depositing each layer in layers using a doctor blade coating technique. In one embodiment, the cover layer is produced by sequential coating or adhesion of each layer, wherein the PVC plastisol of each layer is cured before depositing the subsequent layer. In particular, the PVC densification layer is cured at a temperature of 177-204°C, preferably 188-199°C. The fabric is deposited on the layer before the PVC adhesive layer is fully cured. The PVC adhesive layer is cured at a temperature of 171-199°C.

[0050] If desired, the composite structure can contain additives, such as fillers, plasticizers, flame retardants, colored pigments, stabilizers, lubricants, UV absorbers, light stabilizers, antioxidants, antibacterial agents and blowing agents. The additives can be contained independently in the fabric layer and / or the cover layer. The blowing agent can be chemical or physical.

[0051] In embodiments, the PVC can contain additives, such as plasticizers, flame retardants and / or fillers described below.

[0052] Plasticizers can be included in the PVC of the fabric layer and / or the PVC of the cover layer to adjust the properties of the layers, and are independently selected for the fabric layer and the cover layer. The addition of plasticizers imparts properties such as flexibility and softness. For example, PVC without plasticizers can have an elongation at break / tensile strength at break of 10 to 50%, while PVC can have an elongation at break / tensile strength at break of 170 to 400% depending on the structure and amount of plasticizer. The amount of plasticizer is preferably 20 to 60% based on the total amount of PVC in the fabric layer or cover layer, respectively. Phthalate-based plasticizers impart water and oil resistance, examples are bis(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), diisoundecyl phthalate (DIUP), ditridecyl phthalate (DTDP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT, dioctyl terephthalate DOTP), diisopentyl terephthalate (DiPT), dibutyl terephthalate (DBT). Trimellitate esters impart high temperature resistance and are typically used in automotive interiors, examples are TOTM trimellitate trioctyl ester plasticizer, trimellitate tri(isononyl) ester (TINTM), trimellitate tri(isodecyl) ester (TIDTM), and trimellitate tri(isotridecyl) ester (TITDTM). Adipate-based plasticizers impart low temperature or ultraviolet light resistance, examples are bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA, dioctyl adipate plasticizer). Sebacate-based plasticizers impart excellent performance at low temperatures and good oil resistance, examples are dibutyl sebacate (DBS), di(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate, and dioctyl sebacate (or DOS plasticizer). Organic phosphates include tricresyl phosphate (TCP), 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate, and tri-2-ethylhexyl phosphate. Bio-based such as triacetin and acetyl tributyl citrate or bio-plasticizers derived from natural oils can be used. Epoxidized soybean oil can be used as a second plasticizer. Plasticizers can be used individually or in combination of two or more. PVC can be mixed with additives to improve its physical properties, such as toughness and elasticity, and to enhance processability.

[0053] The composite structure can include fillers. Examples include carbonates such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, layered silicates such as clay, talc, and mica, and fly ash beads, hollow beads such as talc beads, glass beads. The addition of fillers has the effect of improving dimensional stability and heat resistance, reducing the amount of smoke and toxic gases such as HC1 generated during combustion, and reducing costs. The preferred amount of filler is 5 to 100 parts by mass, more preferably 25 to 80 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of PVC.

[0054] The composite structure can contain a flame retardant to improve flame retardancy and reduce the amount of smoke and toxic gases such as HC1 generated during combustion. Examples of flame retardants include molybdate-based compounds, zinc nitrate compounds, nitrogen-based compounds such as ammonium carbonate and boron nitride, magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide. The preferred amount of flame retardant is 5 to 100 parts by mass, preferably 25 to 80 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of PVC.

[0055] The composite structure according to the present application can be opaque or translucent. Generally, a translucent structure allows more transmittance of visible light than an opaque structure when light is emitted from the same light source.

[0056] The cover layer can be coated with a lacquer layer. The lacquer can be a conventional material. The thickness of the lacquer layer can preferably be 1 to 30 pm, more preferably 3 to 10 pm. If the lacquer layer is not made of PVC, the lacquer layer is preferably very thin, for example 1 pm to 5 pm, to maintain the single material properties of the composite structure as much as possible. The lacquer layer is applied directly on top of the cover layer as a finish of the composite structure and protection against chemical agents, physical damage (e.g. scratches or abrasion) and UV radiation. The lacquer layer can further reduce surface adhesion. Conventional lacquers for artificial leather for vehicle interiors can be employed, for example lacquer layers based on aliphatic polyurethanes containing silicones. The lacquer layer is usually composed of one or more, preferably up to four, clear lacquer layers. Alternatively, the surface coating can be pigmented by the addition of colored pigments.

[0057] In the present application, an adhesive can be used to adhere the layer structure other than the fabric layer and the cover layer to each other. The adhesive can be a polyolefin adhesive, a polyurethane adhesive, an acrylic adhesive or a polyurethane (PUR) based hot melt adhesive. The adhesive can be used at a thickness of 40 pm.

[0058] In the present application, the terms “comprising” and “having” are inclusive, thus specifying the presence of the stated features, steps, layers and / or components, but not excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, layers, components and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring their performance in the specific order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It will also be appreciated that additional steps can be employed.

[0059] Whenever in the context of the present specification it is mentioned that a respective composition or layer is based on or made of a certain material, this shall be interpreted as the respective material forming the main ingredient of the composition or layer, wherein further ingredients can also be present in small amounts. In the respective embodiments, the term “based on” or “made of” a certain material means a content of more than 50%, preferably 90%, more preferably 95%.

[0060] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" can also include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the structural elements and components thereof are often described in singular form, such as "a" component or "one" component. Unless otherwise stated, such singular forms are intended to include plural referents of the indicated element or structural components.

[0061] The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Percentages (%) of component contents are mass percentages (mass %), unless explicitly stated otherwise. Likewise, "parts" are mass parts.

[0062] Unless otherwise indicated, the standards and norms referred to herein refer to the most recent version available at the time of filing the present application.

[0063] Fabric layer The composite structure comprises a fabric layer. The fabric layer preferably has a thickness of 0.1 to 3.0 mm, more preferably 0.1 to 2.0 mm.

[0064] Examples of the fabric layer are a knitted fabric, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a glass fiber fabric, a spunlace fabric, or a spacer fabric. A knitted fabric is a flexible material made by creating interlocking bundles of yarns or threads, which are twisted lengths of spun fiber, by knitting. The basic constituents of the fabric layer, i.e. filaments, fibers, yarns, threads, etc., are collectively referred to as fibers herein. A spacer fabric is a flexible material formed by connecting two surface fabric layers with spacer threads at a specific pitch. The fabric layer is not dense and comprises a large volume fraction of voids, which are typically filled with air. The density of the fabric layer is preferably 100 to 500 kg / m 3 , more preferably 100 to 300 kg / m 3 .

[0065] The fibers of the fabric can comprise or consist of PVC. The fibers can have a core-sheath structure, wherein the core can be any polymer, such as a polyester or a polyether, and the sheath can cover the core and can be a material comprising or consisting of PVC. The content of PVC in the fibers is preferably at least 50 mass parts, more preferably at least 90 mass parts, based on 100 mass parts of all polymers comprised in the fibers. The absolute content of PVC in the fibers is preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 80%. The PVC used for the fabric layer can comprise additives such as the plasticizers mentioned above. The fabric layer influences the properties of the composite structure, such as tensile strength, tear resistance, elongation at break, wrinkle formation, and thermoformability.

[0066] Cover layer The composite structure comprises a cover layer. The thickness of the cover layer is preferably between 0.05 mm and 2.0 mm, more preferably between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0067] The cover layer can consist of one layer or at least two sub-layers. Preferably, the sub-layers of the cover layer are directly adhered to each other, i.e. the cover layer consists of these sub-layers. The cover layer consisting of one layer can be dense or foamed. Thus, the textile layer is in direct contact with a dense layer or a foamed layer. The cover layer comprising at least two layers can comprise one or more dense layers and / or one or more foamed layers or consist of one or more dense layers and / or one or more foamed layers. For example, the composite structure can comprise in succession a textile layer and a foamed layer and a dense layer as cover layer. The dense layer can be made of two sub-layers. The textile layer and the cover layer can be adhered to each other by a thin adhesive containing PVC to form a structure consisting in succession of a textile layer, an adhesive layer and a cover layer. In this case, the adhesive is a sub-layer of the cover layer and fulfils the requirements of the cover layer as described herein.

[0068] The density of the dense cover layer or dense sub-layer is preferably higher than 800 kg / m 3 , more preferably higher than 850 kg / m 3 . The density of the foamed layer or foamed sub-layer is preferably lower than 500 kg / m 3 , more preferably lower than 300 kg / m 3 .

[0069] The cover layer can show elastic properties and / or thermoplastic properties. The thermoplastic properties allow the heat bonding of the cover layer to the textile layer without using an adhesive. The thermoplastic properties require a total degree of crosslinking which is not too high. The gel content is preferably between 0% and 20%. The PVC used for the cover layer can comprise additives, for example the plasticizers mentioned above.

[0070] The composition of the cover layer is preferably different from the composition of the fibers of the textile layer, for example in the amount and / or kind of additives such as plasticizers.

[0071] The cover layer preferably has a texture, which is a three-dimensionally structured surface on the top covered with a lacquer. The texture can be present only in the cover layer or in both the cover layer and the lacquer layer. In this case, the composite structure can be used as artificial leather. The texture can be introduced by known methods, for example embossing or using a release paper having a surface showing the negative structure of the desired texture. The depth of the texture is less than the thickness of the cover layer and is preferably between 10 and 500 pm, more preferably between 50 and 500 pm, still more preferably between 50 and 300 pm. The texture can be produced using conventional methods.

[0072] Example Tests were performed to compare the properties of PVC textiles and polyester (PES) textiles. The results of the comparison are shown in Table 1.

[0073] Table 1

[0074] The results show that PES fabric and PVC fabric have different properties. In particular, the PVC material can be elongated more easily and shows a lower tensile strength. These properties of the PVC material can be advantageous, for example, for use as a surface material for a vehicle interior.

Claims

1. A composite structure comprising a fabric layer and a cover layer directly bonded to the fabric layer, wherein the fabric layer and cover layer comprise polyvinyl chloride.

2. The composite structure according to claim 1, wherein the fabric layer comprises fibers containing polyvinyl chloride or fibers consisting of polyvinyl chloride.

3. The composite structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric layer comprises coated fibers, wherein the coating of the fibers comprises or consists of polyvinyl chloride.

4. The composite structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the content of polymers other than polyvinyl chloride in the fabric layer is less than 10 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the total polymer content in the fabric layer, and wherein the content of polymers other than polyvinyl chloride in the cover layer is less than 10 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the total polymer content in the cover layer.

5. The composite structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric layer has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm, and the cover layer has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 2.0 mm.

6. The composite structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover layer comprises or consists of a dense layer directly bonded to the fabric layer, or wherein the cover layer comprises or consists of a foam layer directly bonded to the fabric layer.

7. The composite structure according to claim 6, wherein the cover layer comprises at least two sub-layers.

8. The composite structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesion strength of the fabric layer to the cover layer is at least 20 N measured according to ISO 2411.

9. The composite structure according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the fabric layer has a thickness of 0.1 to 3.0 mm, and the cover layer has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm.

10. The composite structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composite structure is an artificial leather.

11. A method of producing a composite structure as defined in any of claims 1 to 10, comprising heat bonding or thermo-mechanically bonding the cover layer and the fabric layer.

12. A sewn product obtainable by sewing a composite structure according to any of claims 1 to 10.

13. A method of producing a sewn product, comprising sewing a composite structure according to any of claims 1 to 9.

14. The composite structure according to any of claims 1 to 10 or the sewn product according to claim 12 as a surface material for a vehicle interior.

15. Use of the composite structure according to any of claims 1 to 10 or the sewn product according to claim 12 as a surface material for a vehicle interior.

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