Research and technology on high performance upshilstery fabrics coated by transferred polymers

Abstract

Proquinal S.A member of Spradling Group is a company dedicated to manufacturing polymer-coated textiles for different markets such as institutional upholstery and contract, maritime and automotive transport and, leather and shoe goods. To meet the expectative of those markets, the company requires a high level of technical knowledge in textile technology and polymer science. This experience has been developed through 60 years of continuous research and development processes, all carried out to offer a variety of products that comply the increasing market demands, the high standard of performance requirements and the different international standards and certifications. Coated textiles with antimicrobial properties, UV light resistance, flame retardant effect, high durability, easy cleanability, and care, among others; are some of the examples of developments achieved through different formulations obtained following a rigorous research process. This paper presents the development of a PVC coated textile with high flame resistance properties that exceed rigorous international protocols and certifications such as: DIN 4102 classification B1, NFP 92503 classification M1 and UNE 23.727 90 classification M, which make it suitable to be sell in the European contract upholstery market. That was achieved through a research and development process that covers from the continuous search of raw materials, analysis of those, formulation, product architecture design, design of appearance and finishes, to the manufacture process and the final characterization of the product. Likewise, with environmental consciousness, Proquinal S.A adds efforts every day to make its products and manufacturing processes cleaner and friendlier to both people and the environment.