PVC Coated Polyester Fabric

PVC Coated Polyester Fabric Victor A. Garcia

I served in the United States Marine Corps between 2009 and 2013. I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and mainly worked on the Tactical Water Purification System (TWPS) as a Water Support Technician. Worked in many countries such as Thailand, Philippines and South Korea. Responsible for the purification, storage and distribution of water.

Here is a picture of a 3 thousand gallon water tank which is made from a PVC coated polyester fabric. In my first platoon, there was this initiation where the platoon would group up and throw the new marines into this 3k water tank.

PVC coated polyester fabric

Base fabric

The base fabric is made from polyester yarns that are produced by "melt spinning" a polymer at 265 degrees Celsius through a spinnerette having a given number of holes. It is then cooled where the yarn becomes crystallized. Because the Polyester is an organic material characterized by an ester group, it makes it sensitive to hydrolysis. This is one of the reasons why PVC is added, to protect from aging and oxidation.

Primary Coat

The primary adhesive used is an "emulsive paste" type of PVC. Antimony oxide is added to increase its flame retardant properties . Plasticisers such as phosphates are also mixed in to reduce brittleness. And finally it is colored white to increase UV protection.

TOP COAT

The outer surface is coated with PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride). Which provides good clean-ability, low friction (smooth surface), and offers an efficient barrier for plasticiser migration and weather influences.

Modulus of Elasticity

Approximately 610 MPa

Melting Temperature

80 degrees Celsius

To conclude PVC Coated Polyester Fabric is a material used for flexible fabric structures. It has high tensile strength, non corrosive, flame retardant, UV protective, and has a life span of 15 years.

References

Blum, Rainer, Heidrun Bogner,, and Guy Nemoz. MATERIAL PROPERTIES AND TESTING (n.d.): n. pag. Web. <http://www.tensinet.com/files/Design_Guide/09-tensinet.pdf>.
Zhang, Yingying, Qilin Zhang, and Henglin Lv. "Mechanical Properties of Polyvinylchloride-coated Fabrics Processed with Precontraint Technology." N.p., n.d. Web. <http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.915.7194&rep=rep1&type=pdf>.
Inc., Shaver. "Shaver Fabric Specs." (n.d.): n. pag. Web. <http://www.shaverinc.com/wp-content/uploads/Shaver-Fabric-Specs.pdf>.

Appreciate