The Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) coating is an innovative technique used in composite material fabrication to enhance specific properties of the fabric. It involves a laminating process between two layers, where the upper layer consists of fabric and the lower layer is a TPU film applied to the back of the fabric. The coating process is achieved by heating the TPU film close to its melting point or the temperature at which the film becomes soft. Then, it’s pressed onto the fabric to bond them together. Once the TPU film cools and bonds with the fabric, it reinforces the fabric’s strength while maintaining its flexibility. Additionally, it provides 100% waterproofing and moisture resistance.
This process strengthens the fabric, ensuring that the inner foam remains clean and unaffected by direct moisture exposure, reducing the likelihood of mold accumulation. TPU, renowned for its remarkable qualities such as flexibility, transparency, oil resistance, and colorfastness, has become a popular choice in various applications. When used as a backing material for fabrics, TPU significantly enhances their performance without compromising the original look or feel of the fabric. It offers properties like water resistance, flexibility, and durability without altering the fabric’s appearance.
Velvet is a fabric characterized by its soft, smooth, and lustrous pile. Its distinctive tactile quality sets it apart, and when viewed from different angles, it displays a play of light and dark shades, creating a multidimensional appearance. Initially, it was often produced from silk fibers, as they naturally provided the utmost luster and beauty. However, humans have since been able to manufacture synthetic fibers for velvet, using materials such as cotton or synthetic fibers like polyester. Velvet fabric can be produced through weaving and knitting processes.
In weaving, the fabric is created in two layers with yarns interwoven between them. In the final stage, a blade cuts the interwoven yarns, separating the fabric into two pieces. The front side of the fabric faces inward during weaving, and the interwoven yarn forms a densely packed pile that creates the fabric’s luxurious appearance. Velvet fabric is commonly used for upholstery and curtains in classic interior decorations. Traditional colors like red, black, green, blue, and gold are frequently observed in velvet textiles.
“Chenille” is a French word that refers to a caterpillar of a butterfly or moth that has fuzzy hair around its body. It has also become the name for a type of fancy yarn, a specific category of yarn characterized by its fuzzy, tufted appearance. Chenille yarn can be produced from various materials such as cotton, silk, wool, or synthetic fibers. The yarn is then processed through conventional weaving methods. The resulting fabric is distinctive, with a soft and velvety texture, often resembling velvet. In comparison to velvet, chenille fabric is relatively easier to produce because it can be woven on standard looms, although the yarn used should have a larger and fluffier characteristic. Chenille fabric is commonly used in the manufacturing of furnishings, bedspreads, clothing, and various decorative items.
The characteristics of this chenille yarn are similar to the Chenille plant/ Red hot cat’s tail. It has a furry, thread-like appearance that curls around the stem, much like the close-up image provided to clearly illustrate the characteristics of chenille yarn.
Corduroy is a fabric characterized by parallel, raised lines running lengthwise, achieved by weaving together twisted fibers. The term “Corduroy” originates from the word “cord,” which translates to “twisted rope” or “cord” itself. Generally, this fabric is commonly made from cotton and has gained renown for its durability and warmth. Corduroy is frequently employed in the fashion industry, such as in the production of trousers, jackets, and even in interior decoration, often used to cover cushions. Due to its soft and velvety texture, coupled with its resilience, corduroy has become a classic fabric choice for both fashion and interior design trends.
The production of corduroy involves a specialized weaving technique, where yarns intermittently skip over one another. Subsequently, a blade is inserted beneath these skipped yarns to cut and separate them, resulting in the formation of raised tufted ridges running lengthwise across the fabric. These raised ridges form a pattern of alternating parallel lines, creating the distinctive corduroy texture visible on the fabric.
4. ผ้าเทอร์รี่ Terry
ผ้าเทอร์รี่ (Terry): ผ้าเทอร์รี่ มีทั้งที่เป็นผ้าทอ เรียกว่า Terry cloth และผ้าจากการถัก French Terry หรือที่เรียกว่า ผ้าเกล็ดปลา
Terry cloth refers to a woven fabric that is recognized for its looped pile construction, commonly known as Terry cloth, and a knitted fabric known as French Terry or sometimes referred to as fish-scale fabric.
When discussing woven Terry cloth, the most familiar variant is the terrycloth towel, woven with loops on both sides that allow for excellent water absorption. It’s often made from cotton and is frequently found in bath towels, bathrobes, among other items used for drying purposes.
French Terry fabric is a knitted textile produced using specialized knitting machines. One side of the fabric resembles typical stretchy knit fabric, similar to that of regular T-shirts. However, the other side of the fabric features long, looped threads that form a piled surface, resembling fish scales when viewed from the back due to the overlapping loops. In Thailand, this fabric is commonly referred to as “fish scale fabric.” It is widely used in loungewear sets, such as sweatshirts, as well as in sportswear garments, among other clothing items.
Felt is a nonwoven fabric created by interlocking fibers and compressing them under pressure and heat, rather than weaving or knitting. Historically, it was initially made from animal hair, but modern felts are predominantly manufactured using synthetic fibers such as polyester or acrylic. Felt finds application in various fields including handicrafts, hats, bags, shoes, pressed carpets, and as an underlying material in certain products.
