ABSTRACT
Coating a layer of polymeric material on a textile imparts new characteristics to the base fabric. The resultant coated fabric may have functional properties, such as resistance to soiling or penetration of fluids, or it may have an entirely different aesthetic appeal, such as finished leather. There are various coating methods by which to apply polymer to textiles. They can be classified on the basis of equipment used, method of metering, and the form of the coating material. The various methods are as follows:
1. Fluid coating (coating material is in the form of paste, solution, or lattices): a. Knife coaters: Wire wound bars, round bars, and so forth. These are
postmetering devices. b. Roll coaters: Reverse roll coaters, kiss coaters, gravure coaters, dip
coaters, etc. These are premetered application systems. c. Impregnators: Material to be coated is dipped in the fluid, and the
excess is removed by squeeze roll or doctor blades. d. Spray coaters: The material is sprayed directly on the web or onto a roll
for transfer. 2. Coating with dry compound (solid powder or film): a. Melt coating: Extrusion coating, powder coating, and so forth. b. Calendering: For thermoplastic polymers and rubber compounds, Zim-
mer process, and Bema Coater. c. Lamination.
