Coating of Polypropylene Nonwovens with Acrylic Copolymers

Spun bonded polypropylene (PP) has several advantages, such as low density, chemical resistance, mildew and stain resistance, good dimensional stability, and low cost. However, it has some disadvantages, also. It is porous, UV stability is poor and it is difficult to dye or print. Coating of PP nonwoven with acrylic copolymer improves tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and UV stability. Tear strength of the coated nonwovens decrease, due to immobility of filaments during the tearing process. SEM shows that porosity decreases and pigment particles are entrapped by copolymer films after coating.