Pu leather is a super-strong and temperature-resistant material

Polyurethane leather, or PU leather, is becoming more and more well-liked due to its strength and adaptability. PU leather is a synthetic material made by applying a polyurethane coating to fabric, as opposed to real leather, which is derived from animal hide. Because of this, it has a look and feel similar to leather, which makes it a desirable substitute for a variety of uses.

The remarkable strength of PU leather is one of its most notable qualities. It’s a sensible option for furniture, shoes, and jackets because it’s made to resist normal wear and tear. Furthermore, PU leather has a longer lifespan than other synthetic materials because it doesn’t peel or crack.

One more significant benefit of PU leather is

Feature Description
Durability PU leather is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it last longer in everyday use.
Temperature Resistance It can withstand both high and low temperatures without cracking or degrading.
Eco-Friendly Compared to genuine leather, PU leather has a lower environmental impact.
Easy Maintenance Cleaning and caring for PU leather is simple, requiring only a damp cloth.

Appearance and properties

The foundation of PU leather is polyurethane, a premium polymer that is produced through a variety of intricate chemical processes. Its capacity to produce a porous material that precisely allows air to pass through and eliminates moisture is one of its qualities. These qualities are particularly useful when making clothes and shoes.

As the image illustrates, artificial PU leather does not look all that different from natural leather. The identical porosity, softness, and shine as well as the precisely machine-applied notches and grooves that enhance the product’s resemblance to a natural one. Because polyurethane is a good dye, the synthetic material’s top layer can have the most bizarre hues and patterns.

PU material offers a lot of advantageous qualities.

  • tactile similarity to natural leather – touching the surface of PU leather with your hand, you can feel the warmth and softness;
  • elasticity, resistance to deformation – items made of artificial material are tear-resistant;
  • wear resistance – with proper care, items made of the substitute will last for decades;
  • for any temperature – does not lose properties at temperatures from -60 ° C to + 80 ° C;
  • air permeability – due to the porous surface, the fabric easily passes air, allowing the body to breathe;
  • hygroscopicity – the material quickly absorbs moisture;
  • does not cause allergies.

There are drawbacks to the mentioned material as well.

  • If the fabric is scratched with a sharp object, then the defects are very difficult to disguise. This should be remembered by pet lovers and try not to buy furniture with PU leather upholstery.
  • Products made of synthetic leather take longer to heat up, which is inconvenient for winter.

Furthermore, using abrasives to clean the polyurethane surface is not advised as this could compromise the integrity of the surface structure and leave the product with an unsightly stain.

Production stages and composition

This material is produced through a labor-intensive, multi-stage technological process that is labor-intensive.

  1. Thin cotton or knitted fabric is used as the base for synthetic leather. In rare cases, the first layer is made of non-woven materials.
  2. The second layer consists of tannery waste, crushed and treated with special compounds to give strength. The presence of this layer distinguishes PU leather from leatherette or other cheap substitutes.
  3. The top layer of the "pie" consists of polyurethane, which is applied at a temperature of +130°C – +160°C. At this stage, the surface is painted in any color or a pattern is applied.

Three layers make up PU material, which guarantees its incredible hygroscopicity, air permeability, and resistance to mechanical stress and stretching.

PU leather is a popular material in many industries because of its exceptional strength and resistance to temperature changes. It is a versatile material. It is less expensive, easier to maintain, and has a comparable appearance to natural leather. PU leather is perfect for furniture and fashion since it doesn’t change color when exposed to heat or cold. This synthetic substitute is also available in a variety of textures and hues, fusing style and functionality in an environmentally friendly manner.

Application

Artificial polyurethane material has many uses because of its advanced technological properties. Its vibrant surface, which is evocative of elite leather, provides an enormous amount of room for the application of fresh, intriguing ideas in the production of apparel, furniture, and interior design.

Polyurethane is utilized in the production of:

  • trouser belts and watch bracelets;
  • outerwear: jackets, down jackets;
  • women"s and men"s bags, backpacks, wallets, purses;
  • gadget covers: laptops, cameras, phones;
  • footwear: boots, sandals, shoes, sneakers;
  • used when re-upholstering furniture;
  • sports equipment: balls, gloves, helmets, protective masks.

Crucial! The boots are constructed of premium materials if the boot label bears the STIKS mark.

Whatever the case, PU-made products—whether apparel, accessories, or furniture—will serve their owner "faithfully and truly" for many years without fading, deforming, or altering from the original appearance.

Comparison with genuine, PVC and eco-leather

There are a number of notable distinctions between artificial pu leather (also known as pu leather) and natural leather, eco-leather, or other synthetic materials derived from PVC.

With genuine leather

Since genuine leather is naturally derived, it has an appealing appearance, is breathable, and has several other qualities that make consumers gravitate toward polyurethane-coated products.

Here are a few of them:

  • high cost of natural leather products;
  • heavy weight;
  • low wear resistance;
  • complex care.

Natural leather can be effortlessly substituted with superior quality PU leather.

With PVC (leatherette)

Elastic plastic is affixed to a woven or non-woven base via PVC-based leatherette. This content offers a number of benefits:

  • low cost;
  • strength;
  • ease of care.

There are numerous additional drawbacks:

  • does not allow air to pass through;
  • the material is hard and rough to the touch;
  • breaks down in the cold;
  • wears out quickly.

Polyurethane leather (PU) is breathable, frost-resistant, and less prone to abrasion.

With eco-leather

An artificial material called eco-leather is created by covering a cotton or synthetic base with a microporous polyurethane film. Customers frequently mistake eco-leather for PU leather and vice versa due to conceptual confusion. This occurs as a result of the fabrics’ identical exteriors, despite eco-leather having two layers. It is not as strong as PU leather, is thinner, and retains heat less well.

Recommendations for choosing products

The following details should be considered when purchasing a polyurethane leather jacket, purse, or other item:

  • the inscription on the label is 100% PU;
  • the fabric should not emit an unpleasant odor;
  • the weight of a polyurethane product is much less than that of one made of PVC or genuine leather;
  • the cost is higher than that of synthetic leatherette products.

After selecting the item you like, pay close attention to the seams and make sure the lining and outside are in good condition. A high-quality product typically doesn’t have loose threads, breaks around buttons, or cracks.

Care

Products made of artificial leather don’t need special maintenance because polyurethane is easily cleaned.

Make sure you adhere to these cleaning tips.

Type of work Recommendations
Regular cleaning Soak a sponge in warm water, wring it out, wipe the surface of the product from dust and dirt.
Local dirt Clean with a soft brush and soapy water, then wipe dry.
Stain removal Ammonia or a cleaner for natural linen will help to erase stubborn stains.
Washing If there is a washable sign on the label.
Drying In a straightened out form on a horizontal surface.
Ironing To smooth out folds and creases, hang the product on a hanger for several hours. Ironing with an iron is not allowed.

Crucial! A cotton napkin must be used to wipe the fabric’s surface dry after cleaning. Any residual moisture has the potential to break down the polymer film, causing harm to the product.

One material that stands out for being strong and adaptable while maintaining a great balance between temperature resistance and strength is PU leather. Because of its special composition, which keeps it looking good even after a lot of use, it’s a popular option for a variety of products.

In addition to its strength, PU leather has a high degree of temperature resistance. This material doesn’t fade or crack on hot summer days or in chilly winter ones, which is a big benefit in a variety of weather conditions.

Overall, PU leather is a great substitute for traditional leather because of its resilience, adaptability, and ease of maintenance. Its strength and design flexibility demonstrate its worth not only in the fashion industry but also outside of it.

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Anastasia Belova

I have been working in the textile industry for over 12 years. My main hobby is studying the properties of fabrics and their impact on our everyday life. I love to talk about new products and share practical tips on caring for different materials. My collection contains hundreds of fabric samples from all over the world, and I am ready to share my findings with you!

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