Influence of Modification on the Structural and Tensile Properties of Polyurethane Coated Knitted Fabrics after Natural Weathering

The intention of this study was to investigate the changes in properties of polyurethane coated knitted fabrics intended for sportswear or casual wear, i.e outdoor use after natural weathering, in two different seasons. The exposure of coated fabrics to outdoor natural weathering affected all properties investigated, namely, the mass, thickness, shrinkage, elongation and breaking forces. Summer exposure made greater modification of every parameter measured than winter exposure, except for the thickness. Solar radiation has a greater impact on the decrease in breaking forces of coated fabrics than on other properties measured. Strong positive correlations between the thickness of coated fabric and breaking forces were observed which can be used to design coated fabric with better tensile properties. The prediction of change under the influence of environmental conditions allows to improve coated fabrics with the aim of better protection of the wearer.