How to increase the abrasion resistance of textiles?

The power of the right coatings

Coatings play a crucial role in improving the wear resistance of textiles. At Finipur, we offer a wide range of solutions, including:

• Polyurethane (PU) coatings: PU coatings combine flexibility with high mechanical strength and strong adhesion, making textiles much more resistant to abrasion and friction. These coatings are ideal for a smooth, durable finish that minimises wear and tear. PU coatings form a flexible but strong film around the textile fibres, which then absorbs friction and pressure without tearing or crumbling. Because polyurethane has an intrinsically high mechanical strength, it distributes the force of repeated contact over a larger surface area. This reduces damage to the fibres themselves. In addition, PU adheres excellently to synthetic and natural fibres, preventing fibres from coming loose or fraying during intensive use. In addition to these mechanical advantages, PU is also highly resistant to dirt, oils, and moisture.
• Silicone coatings: In addition to PU coatings, silicone coatings also increase the abrasion resistance of textiles, although silicones work very differently from polyurethane. Silicones have a smooth and slippery surface, which reduces direct friction between the treated material and another material. This results in less wear and tear. Silicones are very flexible and elastic, allowing such coatings to stretch and spring back without tearing. The underlying fibres stay protected. They also have a wide temperature range, both at low and elevated temperatures. This allows them to be used in situations with extreme temperatures, where other coatings fall short. Silicones are also water and dirt repellent and resistant to chemical products. At Finipur, many furniture fabrics are treated in a full bath (foulard) with a silicone softener, which allows us to increase the Martindale score (a score that shows the wear resistance of a fabric).
• Nanotechnology: Nanoparticles (e.g., silica, titanium dioxide, aluminium oxide, etc.) are applied to the fibres as a thin, almost invisible layer. Nanotechnology increases abrasion resistance because nanoparticles strengthen the fibre surface, make it smoother, and protect it from influences that normally lead to wear and tear. The result is textiles that last longer without compromising comfort or breathability.

Testing for optimal performance

At Finipur, we believe in the power of testing. Our products are thoroughly tested using advanced methods, such as the Martindale test, to measure wear and tear under controlled conditions. In this Martindale test, a textile sample is stretched in a holder, and a standard abrasive material (depending on the standard) is placed above it. The abrasive material then makes circular movements over the textile under a fixed weight and pressure. The number of cycles until visible wear or thread breakage occurs is recorded. The result is expressed in Martindale cycles, and the higher the number of cycles, the better the wear resistance or abrasion resistance of the textile.

Conclusion

Increasing the abrasion resistance of textiles requires a combination of smart material choices, advanced coating technology, and precise testing. At Finipur, we use our expertise to not only make textiles more durable, but also perfectly tailored to your specific needs. Contact us and discover how we can take your textiles to the next level.