Abrasion resistance testing of coated webbing

Coated webbing is widely used in outdoor products, industrial equipment, pet products, and other fields due to its excellent protective properties and durability. Abrasion resistance, as one of the key performance attributes of TPU webbing, directly affects its lifespan and functionality. In high-friction environments, coated webbing often faces prolonged friction, pulling, and collisions, making it essential to test and analyze its abrasion resistance.

Coated webbing is usually coated with materials such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), or silicone. These materials exhibit different levels of abrasion resistance due to their respective physical properties.

TPU material has high elasticity and abrasion resistance, especially in high-stretch and high-friction environments where it can still maintain its structural integrity. The molecular structure of TPU gives it good rebound ability, reducing surface wear during frequent friction. Therefore, TPU coated webbing is widely used in outdoor and industrial fields.

PVC material has lower abrasion resistance than TPU, but its smooth surface makes it resistant to the accumulation of water and dust, allowing it to perform well in environments with lighter friction. Additionally, PVC is more cost-effective, making it commonly used in mass production where high abrasion resistance is not a strict requirement.

Silicone has excellent abrasion resistance and weather resistance, especially in extreme temperatures, where it remains stable. Although silicone-coated webbing is more expensive, it performs exceptionally well in extreme environments, such as those involving high temperatures or high-pressure friction, effectively extending product life.

To evaluate the performance of coated webbing in high-friction environments, standardized abrasion resistance tests are typically used. Common testing methods include the Martindale Abrasion Test and the TABER Abrasion Test, both of which accurately simulate the friction conditions that the webbing would face during actual use.

1. Martindale Abrasion Test

This method simulates multidirectional friction that webbing encounters in real-life use. In this test, the webbing sample is fixed to the testing device, and a circular rubbing head applies a certain pressure and speed to continuously rub the sample. The number of times visible wear appears on the sample is recorded. Usually, a set number of friction cycles is specified, and if the webbing can maintain good appearance and structural integrity beyond that point, its abrasion resistance is considered good.

2. TABER Abrasion Test

The TABER Abrasion Test is a widely used standard testing method for fabrics, plastics, and other materials. During the test, the coated webbing is fixed to a rotating disc, and abrasive wheels apply a specific pressure and rotate to simulate wear during actual use. The change in the sample’s weight after abrasion helps assess the webbing’s abrasion resistance.

Outdoor backpack straps experience frequent friction with the body and clothing during long hiking or climbing activities. They may also come into contact with hard surfaces like rocks and branches. Therefore, the abrasion resistance of the straps is directly related to the lifespan and comfort of the backpack.

In a real-world test, TPU webbing and PVC coated webbing were used as materials for backpack straps, and both underwent the Martindale Abrasion Test. The results showed that TPU coated webbing exhibited only slight wear after 100,000 friction cycles, while PVC coated webbing showed significant surface cracking and wear after 50,000 cycles. This indicates that TPU coated webbing has a longer lifespan and better abrasion resistance in high-friction environments typical for outdoor backpack straps.

Pet leashes undergo frequent friction with the ground, vegetation, and the pets themselves during everyday use. This is especially true during intense activities such as running and pulling, where the leash is subjected to even greater friction. Therefore, pet leashes need high abrasion resistance to ensure long-term use without damage.

In another test, TPU, PVC, and silicone coated webbings were used to manufacture pet leashes, and they underwent the TABER Abrasion Test. The results showed that silicone coated webbing had the best abrasion resistance, with the least weight change after 500 revolutions of the abrasive wheel. TPU webbing came in second, with moderate wear, while PVC coated webbing exhibited significant wear marks. Hence, silicone or TPU materials are more suitable for pet leashes requiring high abrasion resistance.

Industrial equipment straps are often used to secure heavy machinery and face long-term friction and vibration. Therefore, these straps require extremely high abrasion resistance, especially in outdoor or high-temperature environments where both abrasion and weather resistance are crucial.

In a test for equipment used in marine engineering, TPU and silicone coated webbings were found to have excellent abrasion resistance. After a simulated test of prolonged operation in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, TPU coated webbing exhibited minor surface wear but maintained overall performance stability. Silicone coated webbing showed almost no signs of wear. In contrast, PVC coated webbing displayed severe wear under the same test conditions, making it unsuitable for high-friction, high-load scenarios.

The abrasion resistance of coated webbing is a critical factor determining its durability in high-friction environments. Based on real-world case studies, TPU and silicone materials excel in abrasion resistance, especially in applications such as outdoor gear, pet products, and industrial equipment where high-intensity friction is involved. While PVC coated webbing is widely used in some applications due to its lower cost, TPU and silicone-coated webbing are undoubtedly better choices for environments that demand high abrasion resistance and long-lasting performance.