There are various technologies for making soft artificial leather. In general, there are three stages of creating this material. First, a fibrous base is prepared, then polymer coatings are applied and finally finished.
First stage
Fabrics, paper, knitwear and other non-woven natural (artificial or synthetic) materials are used as an ideal fibrous base for creating artificial leather. The strength of the leather, its extensibility in different directions, the possibility of draping, etc., depend on the properties of the selected material. After the selection of the material, the next stage begins, which improves the quality of the future product, including giving greater strength to the base.
Second phase
A special coating is applied to the created surface. It is created from solutions, dispersions of polymers, various molten substances. For pouring, a variety of technical methods and rather sophisticated equipment are used to ensure uniform application of the substance and proper fixation of the base on the fiber surface.
The polymer applied in various ways can penetrate the fibers or remain on the surface. Quite often, in the production of artificial leather, through-impregnation is combined with the front application of a polymer coating.
The porous structure of artificial leather is the result of pore formation (mechanical or chemical foaming, polymer separation, perforation, sintering, etc.). Various mixtures can be added to the polymer to increase frost resistance, strength, and better preserve the properties of the material.
Stage three
For finishing, sanding, varnishing, matting, printing, embossing, etc. are used. The resulting material can imitate natural fabrics, leather, suede. The finished product can be given any shade and even chameleon colors.
Pressed leather
This material is obtained by pressing natural leather waste (chrome shavings, scraps, leather dust, etc.). Bonding fibers are also used for bonding, which work even better when heated. The result is a durable material with low moisture and air permeability.
This is one of the main differences between artificial and natural leather. Natural leather absorbs moisture easily. Many people use this to distinguish genuine leather from artificial leather when buying various goods (gloves, wallets, bags, outerwear, etc.)
