PVC coating technology behind high-end inflatable boats - 5 performance standards that suppliers must read!

In the field of high-end inflatable boat manufacturing, PVC coating technology plays a vital role. It not only determines the appearance and texture of the inflatable boat, but also its durability, safety and functionality. The following are the five performance standards that suppliers must pay attention to when choosing PVC coating technology:

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I. Wear resistance
(I) The importance of wear resistance
During the use of high-end inflatable boats, they will face various complex environments, such as beaches, rocks, docks, etc. PVC coatings with poor wear resistance are prone to scratches and damage after repeated friction, which not only affects the appearance of the inflatable boat, but may also cause gas leakage and reduce its service life.
(II) Wear resistance test method
The Taber abrasion test method is usually used. Fix the coating sample on a rotating platform, apply a certain pressure, make it contact with the grinding wheel and rotate it a certain number of times, and then measure the wear of the coating. After multiple wear tests, the wear of high-quality PVC coatings should be very small and there should be no obvious damage on the surface.
(III) Wear resistance improvement measures
Adding wear-resistant fillers, such as silicon carbide and aluminum oxide, to the PVC coating formula can significantly improve the wear resistance of the coating. At the same time, optimizing the curing process of the coating to make the coating structure more compact can also enhance its wear resistance.

II. Anti-ultraviolet performance
(I) The importance of anti-ultraviolet performance
When the inflatable boat is exposed to the sun for a long time, ultraviolet rays will accelerate the aging of the PVC coating. The plasticizer in the coating will accelerate volatilization, causing the coating to become brittle, fade, and crack, ultimately affecting the structural integrity and service life of the inflatable boat.
(II) Anti-ultraviolet performance test method
Use an ultraviolet accelerated aging test chamber for testing. Place the coating sample in the test chamber to simulate the ultraviolet intensity, temperature, and humidity conditions in natural sunlight. After a certain period of time, observe the appearance changes of the coating, such as color changes, surface cracking, etc. After long-term ultraviolet irradiation, high-quality PVC coatings should maintain good appearance and physical properties.
(III) Measures to improve UV resistance
Adding UV absorbers and light stabilizers, such as benzotriazoles and hindered amines, to the PVC coating can effectively absorb UV energy and inhibit the aging reaction of the coating. At the same time, choosing PVC resin with high weather resistance as the substrate is also the key to improving UV resistance.

III. Waterproof and breathable
(I) Importance of waterproof and breathable
For high-end inflatable boats, waterproof and breathable are key indicators of their comfort and functionality. Good waterproof performance can prevent moisture from penetrating into the boat and keep the boat dry; while breathability can adjust the air pressure in the boat to avoid deformation or damage of the inflatable boat caused by excessive pressure difference between the inside and outside.
(II) Waterproof and breathable test method
The waterproof performance test usually adopts the hydrostatic pressure test method, fixing the coating sample on the test device, applying a water column of a certain pressure, and observing whether the water can pass through the coating. The breathability test uses an air permeability tester to measure the amount of gas passing through the coating per unit time under a certain pressure difference. High-quality PVC coatings should have high hydrostatic pressure and appropriate air permeability.
(III) Measures to improve waterproof and breathable properties
Using special coating formula design, such as introducing microporous structure or hydrophilic nanomaterials into PVC coating, can achieve breathable function while ensuring waterproof performance. At the same time, optimizing the thickness and uniformity of the coating can also improve the stability of waterproof and breathable properties.

IV. Fire retardancy
(I) Importance of fire retardancy
In water activities, fire is a potential safety hazard. PVC coating with fire retardant properties can delay the spread of fire to a certain extent, buy precious escape time for users, and reduce the risk of fire accidents.
(II) Fire retardancy test method
Test according to international standards such as UL94. Place the coating sample in a specific combustion environment and observe its burning speed, flame height, presence or absence of dripping and other indicators. High-quality PVC coating should reach a certain flame retardant level, such as UL94-V0 or V1 level, indicating that it has good fire retardant properties.
(III) Measures to improve fire retardancy
Adding flame retardants, such as halogen flame retardants and phosphorus flame retardants, to PVC coatings can effectively reduce the combustion performance of the coating. At the same time, by optimizing the structural design of the coating, such as increasing the thickness of the coating or adopting a multi-layer coating structure, the fire retardancy can also be improved.

V. Environmental performance
(I) Importance of environmental performance
With the continuous improvement of environmental awareness, consumers are paying more and more attention to the environmental performance of high-end inflatable boats. PVC coatings with poor environmental performance may contain harmful substances, such as phthalate plasticizers and heavy metals, which will be released during use and cause harm to human health and the environment.
(II) Environmental performance test method
Use gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and other instruments to analyze the content of harmful substances in the coating. For example, the content of phthalate plasticizers should comply with the relevant standards such as the EU REACH regulations. At the same time, the heavy metal content of the coating is tested to ensure that it meets environmental standards.
(III) Measures to improve environmental performance
Select environmentally friendly PVC resins and additives, such as phthalate-free plasticizers and stabilizers with low heavy metal content, to ensure the environmental performance of the coating from the source. At the same time, optimizing the production process and reducing the generation and residue of harmful substances are also important ways to improve environmental performance.