Artificial leather is used instead of real leather on many textile products today.
Artificial leather is a type of leather, also called synthetic or artificial leather. These names are mostly used for specific end products made from synthetic leather. For example; Artificial leather (seat, chair and headboard upholstery, pantazot (car upholstery, clothing) and consumer goods. There are two different basic methods in the production of artificial leather:
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC – Vinyl)
- Polyurethane (PU)
Vinyl synthetic leather began to be used primarily in the manufacture of shoes, automotive interiors, and upholstery in the United States in the 1940s. In the late 1950s, DuPont and other chemical companies increasingly switched to polyurethane production.
Polyurethane and vinyl leathers; Although it is used in clothing, upholstery, product coating, one gives better results than the other for certain products. Since PU is softer, more flexible and breathable in texture, it is more suitable for use in high-quality textiles such as clothing and upholstery (surfaces in direct contact with the skin). Although vinyl is not as breathable as PU, it is ideally used in the production of book bindings or electronic device covers with its moisture-rejecting structure.
Vinyl Upholstery
Vinyl upholstery consists of two different synthetic materials. The texture of the upholstery is structured with strong polyester. This tissue is then coated with vinyl consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and plasticizer. The vinyl is melted and penetrated onto the tissue and the surface is sealed. A strong and flexible structure emerges that is almost waterproof. Vinyl upholstery is easy to maintain and clean. This makes vinyl an ideal choice for institutions such as hospitals and restaurants where cleanliness is paramount. Vinyl also has no special care. However, vinyl can reach a really uncomfortable temperature when exposed to the sun. Also, with excessive use, cracks may form on its surface.
Polyurethane Upholstery
PU; It is formed by covering the flexible polymer with a tissue consisting of cotton, polyester or sliced leather that will support it, and its appearance is given the feeling of animal skin. Polyurethane upholstery is the closest and most realistic imitation of real leather, with both the feel of its surface and its edge-to-edge appearance. When collected, folded and stacked, it "breaks" or wrinkles like real leather. Since no plasticizer is used in its construction, there is no breakage or peeling on the PU upholstery. It always stays soft on your furniture and protects its flexibility against time. It is also easier to display designs on it than vinyl. Polyurethane is a more environmentally friendly product compared to vinyl as it does not create dioxins in its production. PU does not need additional plasticizer as its resin is produced from soft polymer. Although polyurerthane costs less than real leather, it is quite expensive to manufacture compared to vinyl.