Coated and Laminated Textiles

Coating and laminating are methods of both improving and modifying the physical properties and appearance of fabric. They have also facilitated the development of entirely new products and have led to innovations in the area of 'smart' materials. Coating and lamination cuts across virtually every product group of the textile industry, including composites where the scope for future development is extremely wide. This book helps bridge the gap between the two disciplines of textile technology and polymer chemistry, both of which are necessary for success in this area of technical textiles, and it also touches on the related textile processes of fabric impregnation and foam finishing. The manufacturing processes of coated and laminated fabrics involve materials such as solvent- and water-based resins and adhesives, films, foams and hot melt adhesives. In an increasingly environmentally-conscious world, control and handling of potentially toxic materials are becoming very important tasks for plant managers. The author emphasises the factors influencing selection of materials and process machinery -- especially with reference to environmental issues including global warming. Product descriptions, production and test methods and standards are discussed in detail, and the book will be a valuable source of reference, embracing apparel, domestic, medical, military and industrial applications.