High-strength tarpaulin and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a high-strength tarpaulin and a preparation method thereof, and aims to solve the problems that the tensile strength and tear strength of the traditional tarpaulin are difficult to meet the requirements in a high-strength application scene, and in addition, the binding force between a coating and base cloth is relatively weak due to the fact that a simple direct coating mode is mostly adopted in a compounding process of the traditional tarpaulin. According to the technical scheme, the preparation method of the high-strength tarpaulin is characterized by comprising the following steps of bottom layer fiber preparation, base cloth spinning, base cloth surface treatment, coating raw material preparation, tarpaulin coating coating and ethylene polymerization to form ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers with the high-strength characteristic, and the bottom layer fibers are endowed with excellent tensile strength and tearing strength; meanwhile, the base cloth is blended with the polyester fibers according to a reasonable volume ratio, the roughness of the surface of the base cloth is increased, the TPU, the nano silicon dioxide and the glass beads are coordinated and matched, the internal structure of the coating is optimized, the comprehensive performance of the coating is improved, and the tarpaulin can keep good use performance in various severe environments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tarpaulin technology, and more specifically, to a high-strength tarpaulin and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] Tarpaulin is a type of fabric material with functions such as waterproofing, windproofing, sun protection, and dustproofing. It is widely used in logistics transportation, construction sites, camping tents, emergency rescue, and other scenarios. Currently, tarpaulins commonly found on the market are usually made of polyester fiber as the base material. Polyester fiber has a certain strength and toughness, which can meet the needs of general scenarios. The surface is then coated to enhance the overall performance, such as waterproofing and flame retardancy.

[0003] However, while traditional tarpaulin materials offer basic protection, their tensile and tear strength are insufficient for high-intensity applications. When subjected to strong pulling or impact forces, tarpaulins are prone to damage and breakage, leading to a rapid shortening of their lifespan. Furthermore, traditional tarpaulin lamination processes often employ simple direct coating methods, resulting in weak adhesion between the coating and the base fabric. Under high-intensity use, the coating is susceptible to defects and delamination. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of tarpaulin material that combines high strength with excellent basic properties. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide a high-strength tarpaulin and its preparation method, which solves the problem that the tensile strength and tear resistance of traditional tarpaulins are difficult to meet the requirements in high-strength application scenarios. In addition, the composite process of traditional tarpaulins mostly adopts a simple direct coating method, which results in weak bonding between the coating and the base fabric.

[0005] The above-mentioned technical objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a method for preparing a high-strength tarpaulin, comprising the following steps: S1: Preparation of the bottom fiber: Using ethylene gas as the reactant, hexane as the inert solvent, and titanium tetrachloride and triethylaluminum as catalysts, the polymerization reaction is carried out at low pressure (0.1-1.0 MPa) and low temperature (50-80℃) to finally obtain the bottom fiber.

[0006] S2: Base fabric weaving: The bottom fiber obtained from S1 is mixed with polyester fiber at a volume ratio of 3:7 to form a composite fiber. The composite fiber is then used as the warp and weft yarns and woven in both directions to form a base fabric with a mesh structure. S3: Surface treatment of the base fabric: Plasma treatment is performed on the base fabric obtained in S2 to increase the surface roughness. The plasma treatment parameters are: power 200-300W, treatment time 10-15 minutes, and gas is a mixture of argon and oxygen (volume ratio 4:1). S4: Coating raw material preparation: Mix 60-80 parts TPU granules, 5-10 parts nano silica, 2-5 parts glass microspheres, 10-20 parts silicone rubber, 5-10 parts ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, 2-5 parts foaming silicone masterbatch and 1-2 parts additives at 80-100℃ for 40-60 minutes to prepare a mixture. Then put the mixture into a twin-screw extruder and granulate it at a melt temperature of 160-230 degrees. S5: Tarpaulin Coating: The mixture obtained in S4 is placed into a coating machine for melting, plasticizing, and extrusion. It is then cast and coated onto the base fabric obtained in S3 at a melt temperature of 160-200 degrees Celsius to form a coating with a thickness of 0.2-0.8 mm. The coating is then dried and cured at 100-120 degrees Celsius for 10-20 minutes.

[0007] The present invention is further configured such that the specific process for preparing the underlying fiber is as follows: titanium tetrachloride and triethylaluminum catalyst are added to hexane solvent at a molar ratio of 1:100 to prepare a mixture with a hexane mass ratio of 85%, ethylene gas is introduced to a total pressure of 0.5 MPa to carry out a polymerization reaction, and the underlying fiber is obtained by centrifugation, dehydration and drying, and spinning.

[0008] The present invention also provides a high-strength tarpaulin, which is made by the above method and includes a base fabric layer and a functional layer. The base fabric layer includes warp yarns and weft yarns, which are woven together to form a mesh structure. The functional layer is cast and coated on the surface of the base fabric layer. Both the warp yarns and weft yarns are made of the composite fiber material obtained in step S2.

[0009] The present invention is further configured such that the functional layer comprises the following components: 60-80 parts TPU particles, 5-8 parts nano silica, 2-5 parts glass microspheres, 10-20 parts silicone rubber, 5-10 parts ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, 2-5 parts foamed silicone masterbatch and 1-2 parts additives.

[0010] The present invention is further configured such that: the surface of the functional layer is formed with a microporous structure by laser processing, the microporous density is 10-20 per square centimeter, and the microporous diameter is 0.1-0.5 mm, in order to take into account light transmittance.

[0011] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. Ethylene is polymerized into ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers with high strength properties. UHMWPE has an extremely high molecular weight, long and entangled molecular chains, which endow the underlying fibers with excellent tensile and tear strength. It can withstand high-intensity applications such as strong winds and impacts from sharp objects, extending its service life. Moreover, its fiber density is only about 0.97 g / cm³. 3It achieves lightweighting while maintaining high strength, effectively reducing the pressure of increased overall weight caused by subsequent coating layers; at the same time, the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber and polyester fiber are blended in a reasonable volume ratio, so that the base fabric has both high strength and a certain degree of flexibility, and can balance cost and performance.

[0012] 2. Plasma treatment is applied to the base fabric, using high-energy particles to bombard the surface of the base fabric, causing changes in the surface molecular structure, producing etching and activation effects, thereby increasing the surface roughness of the base fabric, providing more contact area and better interlocking for the subsequent coating adhesion, and enhancing the bonding force between the coating and the base fabric.

[0013] 3. TPU possesses excellent elasticity, abrasion resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance, providing a fundamental performance guarantee for the coating. Nano-silica has an extremely high specific surface area and excellent reinforcing properties, capable of filling the spaces between TPU molecular chains, enhancing intermolecular forces, and improving the coating's strength and hardness. Glass microspheres are lightweight and high-strength; their uniform distribution within the coating provides reinforcement and toughening. Simultaneously, the enclosed gas within the hollow glass microspheres forms a highly efficient thermal resistance layer, exhibiting excellent thermal insulation performance. The coordinated action of these three elements optimizes the coating's internal structure, improving its overall performance and ensuring the tarpaulin maintains excellent performance in various harsh environments. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 The above are process flow diagrams for Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0016] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] A method for preparing a high-strength tarpaulin includes the following steps: S1: Preparation of the bottom fiber: Using ethylene gas as the reactant, hexane as the inert solvent, and titanium tetrachloride and triethylaluminum as catalysts, a polymerization reaction was carried out at low pressure (0.5 MPa) and low temperature (80℃) to finally obtain the bottom fiber.

[0018] Ethylene is polymerized into ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers, which possess high strength properties. UHMWPE has an extremely high molecular weight, long and entangled molecular chains, giving the underlying fibers excellent tensile and tear strength. This allows them to withstand high-intensity applications such as strong winds and impacts from sharp objects, extending their service life. Furthermore, its fiber density is only approximately 0.97 g / cm³. 3 It achieves lightweight while maintaining high strength, effectively reducing the pressure of increased overall weight caused by subsequent coating layers.

[0019] S2: Base fabric weaving: The bottom fiber obtained from S1 is mixed with polyester fiber at a volume ratio of 3:7 to form a composite fiber. The composite fiber is then used as the warp and weft yarns and woven in both directions to form a base fabric with a mesh structure. By blending ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber and polyester fiber in a reasonable volume ratio, the base fabric can achieve both high strength and a certain degree of flexibility, while balancing cost and performance.

[0020] S3: Base fabric surface treatment: The base fabric obtained in S2 is subjected to plasma treatment to increase the surface roughness. The plasma treatment parameters are: power 250W, treatment time 12 minutes, and gas is a mixture of argon and oxygen (volume ratio 4:1). High-energy particles bombard the surface of the base fabric, causing changes in the surface molecular structure, producing etching and activation effects, thereby increasing the surface roughness of the base fabric, providing more contact area and better interlocking for the subsequent coating adhesion, and enhancing the bonding force between the coating and the base fabric. S4: Coating raw material preparation: 60 parts TPU granules, 5 parts nano silica, 2 parts glass microspheres, 10 parts silicone rubber, 5 parts ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, 2 parts foamed silicone masterbatch and 1 part additives are mixed at 80°C for 40 minutes to prepare a mixture. Then the mixture is put into a twin-screw extruder and granulated at a melt temperature of 180°C. TPU possesses excellent elasticity, abrasion resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance, providing a fundamental performance guarantee for the coating. Nano-silica, with its extremely high specific surface area and excellent reinforcing properties, can fill the spaces between TPU molecular chains, enhancing intermolecular forces and improving the coating's strength and hardness. Glass microspheres, lightweight and high-strength, can be uniformly distributed within the coating to reinforce and toughen it. Simultaneously, the enclosed gas within the hollow glass microspheres (thermal conductivity ≈ 0.026 W / m·K) constitutes a highly efficient thermal resistance layer, also exhibiting excellent thermal insulation performance. The coordinated action of these three elements optimizes the coating's internal structure, improves its overall performance, and ensures the tarpaulin maintains excellent performance even in harsh environments.

[0021] S5: Tarpaulin Coating: The mixture obtained in S4 is placed into a coating machine for melting and plasticizing extrusion. It is then cast and coated onto the base fabric obtained in S3 at a melt temperature of 180 degrees Celsius to form a coating with a thickness of 0.5 mm. The coating is then dried and cured at 120 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes.

[0022] Example 2: Based on the method in Example 1, the relevant parameters are changed, and the specific steps are as follows: S1: Preparation of the bottom fiber: Using ethylene gas as the reactant, hexane as the inert solvent, and titanium tetrachloride and triethylaluminum as catalysts, a polymerization reaction was carried out at low pressure (0.5MPa) and low temperature (80℃) to finally obtain the bottom fiber.

[0023] S2: Base fabric weaving: The bottom fiber obtained from S1 is mixed with polyester fiber at a volume ratio of 3:7 to form a composite fiber. The composite fiber is then used as the warp and weft yarns and woven in both directions to form a base fabric with a mesh structure. S3: Base fabric surface treatment: Plasma treatment is performed on the base fabric obtained in S2 to increase the surface roughness. The plasma treatment parameters are: power 250W, treatment time 12 minutes, and gas is a mixture of argon and oxygen (volume ratio 4:1). S4: Coating raw material preparation: 80 parts TPU granules, 10 parts nano silica, 5 parts glass microspheres, 20 parts silicone rubber, 10 parts ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, 5 parts foamed silicone masterbatch and 2 parts additives are mixed at 100°C for 60 minutes to prepare a mixture. Then the mixture is put into a twin-screw extruder and granulated at a melt temperature of 180°C. S5: Tarpaulin Coating: The mixture obtained in S4 is placed into a coating machine for melting and plasticizing extrusion. It is then cast and coated onto the base fabric obtained in S3 at a melt temperature of 180 degrees Celsius to form a coating with a thickness of 0.5 mm. The coating is then dried and cured at 120 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes.

[0024] Comparative Example 1: Based on Example 1, the base fabric is made of 100% polyester fiber, eliminating the base fabric weaving steps. The specific method is as follows: S3: Base fabric surface treatment: Plasma treatment is performed on the base fabric obtained in S2 to increase the surface roughness. The plasma treatment parameters are: power 250W, treatment time 12 minutes, and gas is a mixture of argon and oxygen (volume ratio 4:1). S4: Coating raw material preparation: 60 parts TPU granules, 5 parts nano silica, 2 parts glass microspheres, 10 parts silicone rubber, 5 parts ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, 2 parts foamed silicone masterbatch and 1 part additives are mixed at 80°C for 40 minutes to prepare a mixture. Then the mixture is put into a twin-screw extruder and granulated at a melt temperature of 180°C. S5: Tarpaulin Coating: The mixture obtained in S4 is placed into a coating machine for melting and plasticizing extrusion. It is then cast and coated onto the base fabric obtained in S3 at a melt temperature of 180 degrees Celsius to form a coating with a thickness of 0.5 mm. The coating is then dried and cured at 120 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes.

[0025] Tests were conducted on tarpaulins of the same specifications prepared by the method of Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 1, as well as ordinary polyester fiber tarpaulins, and the following data were obtained: Ordinary polyester fiber tarpaulins have a tensile strength of only 300 MPa, which is a basic level and cannot meet the requirements of high-strength scenarios.

[0026] Comparative Example 1: Tarpaulin: By improving the coating process, the tensile strength was increased to 400 MPa, which is 33% higher than that of ordinary tarpaulin. However, the coating peel strength was increased by 200%, which is a significant improvement.

[0027] The tarpaulins of Examples 2 and 1 have tensile strengths of 1100 MPa and 1200 MPa, respectively, which is 267%-300% higher than ordinary tarpaulins and 175%-200% higher than Comparative Example 1. The coating peel strengths are 20 N / mm and 22 N / mm, respectively, which is 300%-340% higher than ordinary tarpaulins and 33%-47% higher than Comparative Example 1. Moreover, the coating is continuously and uniformly distributed without any missing areas. This indicates that the technical solutions in the examples (such as ultra-high molecular weight ethylene fiber, surface roughness treatment of the base fabric, and modification of TPU coating materials) significantly enhance the mechanical properties of the tarpaulins.

[0028] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principles of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a high-strength tarpaulin, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: Preparation of the bottom fiber: Using ethylene gas as the reactant monomer, hexane as the inert solvent, and titanium tetrachloride and triethylaluminum as catalysts, a polymerization reaction is carried out at low pressure (0.1-1.0 MPa) and low temperature (50-80℃) to finally obtain the bottom fiber. The specific process of preparing the bottom fiber is as follows: titanium tetrachloride and triethylaluminum catalyst are added to hexane solvent at a molar ratio of 1:100 to prepare a mixture with a hexane mass ratio of 85%. Ethylene gas is introduced until the total pressure reaches 0.5 MPa to carry out the polymerization reaction. After centrifugation, dehydration and drying, and spinning, the bottom fiber is obtained. 2.S2: Base fabric weaving: The bottom fiber obtained in S1 is mixed with polyester fiber at a volume ratio of 3:7 to form a composite fiber. This composite fiber is then used as the warp and weft yarns and woven in both directions to form a base fabric with a mesh structure. S3: Surface treatment of the base fabric: Plasma treatment is performed on the base fabric obtained in S2 to increase the surface roughness. The plasma treatment parameters are: power 200-300W, treatment time 10-15 minutes, and gas is a mixture of argon and oxygen (volume ratio 4:1). S4: Coating raw material preparation: Mix 60-80 parts TPU granules, 5-10 parts nano silica, 2-5 parts glass microspheres, 10-20 parts silicone rubber, 5-10 parts ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, 2-5 parts foaming silicone masterbatch and 1-2 parts additives at 80-100℃ for 40-60 minutes to prepare a mixture. Then put the mixture into a twin-screw extruder and granulate it at a melt temperature of 160-230 degrees. S5: Tarpaulin Coating: The mixture obtained in S4 is placed into a coating machine for melting, plasticizing, and extrusion. It is then cast and coated onto the base fabric obtained in S3 at a melt temperature of 160-200 degrees Celsius to form a coating with a thickness of 0.2-0.8 mm. The coating is then dried and cured at 100-120 degrees Celsius for 10-20 minutes.

3. A high-strength tarpaulin, prepared by the method described in claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a base fabric layer and a functional layer. The base fabric layer includes warp and weft yarns, which are woven together to form a mesh structure. The functional layer is cast and coated on the surface of the base fabric layer. Both the warp and weft yarns are made of composite fiber material obtained in step S2.

4. The high-strength tarpaulin according to claim 2, characterized in that: The functional layer comprises the following components: 60-80 parts TPU particles, 5-8 parts nano silica, 2-5 parts glass microspheres, 10-20 parts silicone rubber, 5-10 parts ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, 2-5 parts foamed silicone masterbatch, and 1-2 parts additives.

5. The high-strength tarpaulin according to claim 2, characterized in that: The surface of the functional layer is formed with a microporous structure by laser processing. The microporous density is 10-20 per square centimeter and the microporous diameter is 0.1-0.5 mm, which is used to balance light transmittance.

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