Outdoor Textile Fabric Coating for Water Repellency and Natural Texture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing textile fabrics for outdoor applications lack durability, water resistance, and oil repellency, while also requiring improved fire resistance and aesthetic appeal, which current treatments fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A process involving an untreated textile fabric treated with an aqueous composition containing a fluorochemical agent, optionally a crosslinking agent and flame retardant, followed by a second treatment with a polyurethane composition on the back surface, enhancing water resistance, oil repellency, and fire resistance while maintaining natural texture and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple coatings are applied to improve water resistance and stain resistance, then liquid resistance and repellency are improved, but the fabric loses its natural texture and aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different treatments to different surfaces of the fabric - the front surface receives a fluorochemical treatment that provides water and stain resistance while maintaining the natural texture, while the back surface receives a polymeric film coating. This localized application of different properties to different surfaces resolves the contradiction between water resistance and natural texture preservation.
2Strength
If heavy polymeric coatings are applied to improve durability, then abrasion resistance is improved, but the fabric becomes less breathable and more rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the polymeric film coating only to the back surface of the fabric, leaving the front surface untreated except for the fluorochemical application. This localized approach provides durability enhancement through the back coating while preserving the breathability and flexibility of the front surface that contacts the environment.
3Reliability
If fluorochemical agents are applied to improve water and stain resistance, then liquid repellency is improved, but fire resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fluorochemical agents with fire retardant compounds in the same aqueous treatment composition applied to the front surface. This merging of multiple functional ingredients into a single treatment layer simultaneously provides water repellency through the fluorochemicals and fire resistance through the fire retardants, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
4Reliability
If multiple treatment steps are applied to improve functionality, then water resistance and repellency are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the treatment process into two distinct sequential steps: first applying an aqueous fluorochemical treatment to the front surface, then applying a polymeric film coating to the back surface. This segmentation of the treatment process into separate, specialized steps allows each treatment to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing efficiency through clear process separation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The treated fabric exhibits exceptional hydrostatic pressure resistance, fire resistance, and protection from environmental elements, maintaining its natural texture and aesthetic appeal, suitable for rigorous outdoor applications.
Implementation Method 1
treating the front surface with an aqueous treatment composition containing from about 0.1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of a fluorochemical agent
Implementation Method 2
water and/or oil repellent textile fabric
Implementation Method 3
A second treatment composition containing from about 40 weight percent to about 85 weight percent of a polyurethane is applied to the back surface
Implementation Method 4
optionally a crosslinking agent and flame retardant
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a highly durable, water resistant, and water and/or oil repellent outdoor textile fabric. The outdoor textile fabric may be prepared by treating the front surface of the textile fabric with an aqueous treatment composition containing a fluorochemical agent and applying a second treatment composition containing a polyurethane to the back surface of the textile fabric. The outdoor textile fabric may be used in a variety of outdoor applications including automotive and marine applications, as a cover, canopy or banner, in military applications, as an awning, tent, umbrella, or in casual outdoor furniture.