Effect of waterborne polyurethane coating on the durability and breathable waterproofing of electrospun nanofiber web-laminated fabrics

Abstract

An electrospun nanofiber web membrane is thinner, lighter and more moisture permeable than other types of membrane, but it has low waterproof and has poor abrasion resistance. To improve its waterproofness and abrasion resistance a waterborne polyurethane coating has been applied and the change in water vapor permeability and waterproofness, examined, together with its effect on the fabric structure. The effect of the hydrophilicity of the coating resin on these were properties was also assessed. Taffeta and taslan were used as the base fabrics, and the hydrophilicity of the coating resins was maintained at 10, 15, and 20%. Conclusions drawn from the study were that following the coating process the abrasion resistance and waterproofness improved; in taffeta the water vapor permeability decreased, but in taslan both properties decreased. Water vapor permeability and waterproofness were not significantly affected by the hydrophilicity of the coating resins. The surface flatness of the base fabric is shown to be an important factor in application of the waterborne polyurethane coating.