Facile method for tent fabrics with eco-friendly/durable properties using waterborne polyurethane/lignin: Preparation and evaluation

Abstract

In this paper, a novel facile strategy is reported for fabricating an environment friendly, aging-resistant, and waterproof-breathable fabric using a “pad-knife” coating technique and waterborne polyurethane (WPU) containing isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and lignin as an antioxidant agent. Morphology, hydrophobic property, accelerated weathering aging property and artificial degradation performance as well as water vapor transmission and tensile property are characterized. Results show that, IPDI can effectively prevent PU discoloration. Lignin amount affects the morphological structure, tearing strength, WVTR and hydrostatic pressure capability of coated fabrics. Moreover, a 2% lignin addition provides fabrics with enhanced waterproof-breathable properties and tearing strength performance compared with pure WPU coated fabrics after accelerated weathering exposure. The facile coating technology can be applied to protective and functional textiles for military and civil polyester tents.