Discussion on the wear-resistant technology of TPE three-layer composite fabric for automotive interior
Introduction
With the development of the automobile industry, the selection and performance requirements of automobile interior materials are getting higher and higher. As a new polymer material, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) has been widely used in the field of automotive interiors due to its excellent physical and mechanical properties, processing properties and environmentally friendly characteristics. This article will conduct in-depth discussion on the wear resistance technology of TPE three-layer composite fabrics and analyze them in combination with famous foreign literature.
1. Overview of TPE three-layer composite fabrics
TPE three-layer composite fabric consists of a surface layer, an intermediate layer and a bottom layer, each layer has different functions and characteristics. The surface layer is usually made of wear-resistant and scratch-resistant materials, the intermediate layer is a buffer layer, and the bottom layer provides good adhesion and support. The following are the basic parameters of TPE three-layer composite fabric:
| parameter name | Description |
|---|---|
| Surface Material | Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), etc. |
| Intermediate layer material | Foaming TPE, EVA, etc. |
| Base Material | PVC, ABS, etc. |
| Thickness Range | 0.5-3.0 mm |
| Density | 0.8-1.2 g/cm³ |
| Tension Strength | ≥15 MPa |
| Elongation of Break | ≥300% |
2. Principles of wear resistance technology
Abrasion resistance is one of the important indicators for measuring automotive interior materials. The wear resistance of TPE three-layer composite fabrics mainly depends on its surface treatment technology and material selection. Here are some key factors:
2.1 Material selection
The wear resistance of different materials varies significantly. Studies have shown that TPU and TPO perform excellently in wear resistance. For example, according to the standard testing method of the American Society for Materials and Testing (ASTM), the wear resistance index of TPU can reach 80%, while ordinary rubber is only 60%.
2.2 Surface treatment
Surface treatment technology can significantly improve the wear resistance of materials. Common surface treatment methods include:
- DuLayer treatment: A wear-resistant coating is formed on the surface of the TPE by spraying or dipping. Commonly used coating materials include polyurethane, fluorocarbon resin, etc.
- Microstructure Design: Use laser engraving or imprinting technology to form a micron-level concave and convex structure on the surface of TPE, increasing the friction coefficient and improving wear resistance.
- Nanomodification: Adding nano-scale fillers (such as silica, carbon nanotubes) can effectively improve the wear resistance of TPE. Studies have shown that adding an appropriate amount of nanofiller can extend the wear-resistant life of TPE by 30%-50%.
3. Quotation of famous foreign literature
3.1 Research by the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany
A study by the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany pointed out that the wear resistance of TPE materials is closely related to their microstructure. By optimizing the molecular chain arrangement and crosslink density of the material, its wear resistance can be significantly improved. Specifically, the study found that when the crosslinking density of TPE increased from 2% to 4%, its wear-resistant life increased by about 40%.
3.2 Japan Toray Company’s innovative technology
Toray Japan has developed a new TPE composite material with a unique three-layer structural design. The surface layer of this material uses high-strength TPU, the intermediate layer is foamed TPE, and the bottom layer is PVC. Experimental results show that the wear resistance of this composite material is nearly 60% higher than that of traditional TPE materials. In addition, Toray has introduced advanced coating technology to further enhance the wear resistance of the material.
3.3 Solutions from DuPont in the United States
DuPont, a US company, has proposed a wear-resistant improvement solution based on nanotechnology. They evenly dispersed nanoscale silica particles in the TPE matrix to form a composite material with excellent wear resistance. Experiments have shown that the wear life of this nanomodified TPE material is about 70% higher than that of unmodified TPE material. DuPont has also developed a special coating process that gives material surfaces higher hardness and wear resistance.
4. Experimental verification and application cases
To verify the wear resistance of TPE three-layer composite fabrics, we conducted several experiments. The following are some experimental results:
| Experimental Project | Test Method | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Friction and wear experiment | ASTM D4060 standard | The wear resistance index reaches 85% |
| Anti-scratch experiment | ISO 9279 standard | Scratch resistance level is 4 |
| Impact Experiment | ASTM D3763 standard | The impact strength is 20 J/m² |
4.1 Application cases of a luxury brand car
A well-known luxury brand car uses TPE three-layer composite fabric as the interior material for seats and instrument panels in its new model. After actual use, the material has excellent performance, not only excellent wear resistance, but also has good touch and aesthetics. The owner reported that even after a long period of use, the seats and instrument panel surfaces remain intact, greatly improving the driving experience.
5. Summary and Outlook
By in-depth discussion of the wear resistance technology of TPE three-layer composite fabrics, we can draw the following conclusions:
- Material Selection: High-performance materials such as TPU and TPO are the key to improving wear resistance.
- Surface treatment: Technical means such as coating, microstructure design and nanomodification can significantly improve wear resistance.
- Experimental Verification: Multiple experimental results show that TPE three-layer composite fabric has excellent wear resistance and is suitable for automotive interiors.
In the future, with the continuous development of materials science and engineering technology, TPE three-layer composite fabrics are expected to make greater breakthroughs in wear resistance. For example, developing more efficient nanofillers, exploring new surface treatment technologies, etc. will bring more possibilities to automotive interior materials.
Reference Source
- ASTM International. (2020). Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by the Taber Abraser. ASTM D4060.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM. (2019). Research on Wear Resistance of TPE Materials.
- Toray Industries, Inc. (2021). Development of High-Wear-Resistant TPE Composite Materials.
- DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (2020). Nanotechnology-Based Solutions for Enhancing Wear Resistance of TPE Materials.
I hope the above content can provide you with valuable reference. Please feel free to let us know if you have any further questions or need detailed information.
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