The Puncture and Water Resistance of Polyurethane- Impregnated Fabrics after UV Weathering

Polyurethane is a polymer adaptable to different scientific and industrial requirements; nevertheless it is also extremely susceptible to UV radiation, which compromises the physical and mechanical functionality. In this framework, our study investigated the effect of waterborne polyurethane dispersion (WPUD) applied to a polyester (PET)-based fabric, through the impregnation method, on the puncturing and water resistance of the pristine material, before and after UV weathering. Results confirmed an increment of both features in the prepared fabrics, attributed to the PUR textile treatment; but a partially loss of the gained properties in the samples due to the UV weathering. In order to improve the efficiency of the impregnating dispersions, in protecting the durability of the treated materials, the addition of different UV light stabilizers, or/and of crosslinking agent into WPUD was also tested. From the experimental data, it can be concluded that formulations based on WPUD, containing both the crosslinker and UV organic absorber, have displayed an increment of their perforation and water resistance for the treated samples with respect to the starting textile, and contemporary have preserved the features against the UV light. Finally, microscopic and spectroscopic analyses have been performed as further characterization techniques of the samples surface.