types of artificial leather

Table Of  Contents

1.Definition of artificial leather

2.Types of artificial leather

3.Advantages of artificial leather

4.Application fields of artificial leather

Definition of artificial leather

Artificial leather is made by foaming or laminating various formulas of PVC and PU based on textile or non-woven fabrics. It can be processed according to different strength and color, luster, pattern patterns, and other requirements. It has the characteristics of a wide variety of colors, good waterproof performance, neat edges, high utilization rate, and relatively cheap price compared to genuine leather.

It was a type of material that had always been extremely popular in the early days and was widely used to make various leather products or some genuine leather materials. Its increasingly advanced production technology is widely adopted in the processing and production of double skin. Nowadays, artificial leather with characteristics resembling genuine leather has been produced and put on the market. Its surface technology and fiber structure of the base material almost achieve the effect of genuine leather.

Artificial leather has become a versatile and sustainable material used in various industries, including fashion, automotive, furniture, and accessories. Its development has been driven by a combination of wartime needs, technological advancements, and a growing awareness of environmental concerns, making it a viable alternative to natural leather in many applications.

Types of artificial leather

Artificial leather, also known as synthetic leather or faux leather, comes in various types, each with its unique characteristics and production methods.

Polyurethane (PU) Leather

PU leather, short for Polyurethane leather, is a type of synthetic leather or artificial leather made by coating a base material, typically fabric or a non-woven substrate, with a layer of polyurethane. This coating gives the material a leather-like appearance, texture, and properties, making it a popular alternative to genuine leather.

Composition:

Base Material

PU leather starts with a base material, which can be made from various fibers, such as polyester, cotton, or a blend of materials. The choice of base material can influence the final characteristics of the PU leather.

Polyurethane Coating

The base material is coated with a layer of polyurethane (PU), a synthetic polymer. This PU coating is responsible for giving PU leather its leather-like look and feel.

PVC Leather

PVC leather, short for Polyvinyl Chloride leather, is a type of synthetic leather or artificial leather made by coating a base material with layers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This coating gives the material a leather-like appearance and texture, making it a popular and cost-effective alternative to genuine leather.

Composition:

Base Material

PVC leather begins with a base material, often a fabric or non-woven substrate, which can be made from materials like polyester or cotton.

PVC Coating

Layers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are applied to the base material. These PVC layers are usually treated with plasticizers and stabilizers to enhance flexibility and durability.

Microfiber Leather

Microfiber leather, often referred to as microfiber suede or ultrasuede, is a type of synthetic leather made from finely woven microfiber strands, usually composed of polyester or a blend of polyester and polyurethane (PU). It is designed to replicate the look and feel of natural suede leather while offering a range of advantages.

Composition:

Microfiber Fabric

The base material of microfiber leather consists of ultra-fine fibers, typically made from polyester or a polyester-PU blend. These fibers are woven into a dense and tightly packed structure.

Polyurethane Coating

In some cases, microfiber leather is further coated with a thin layer of PU to enhance its durability, water resistance, and texture.

Solvent-free PU Leather

Solvent-free PU leather, also known as water-based PU leather, is a type of polyurethane (PU) synthetic leather that is manufactured without the use of harmful organic solvents. Instead, water-based PU leather relies on water-based technologies and formulations to create a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional solvent-based PU leather.

Composition:

Polyurethane (PU) Coating

Like traditional PU leather, solvent-free PU leather starts with a base material, which can be fabric or a non-woven substrate. However, the key difference lies in the PU coating. In the case of solvent-free PU leather, the PU coating is water-based, meaning it uses water as the primary solvent instead of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other harmful chemicals.

Silicone Leather

Silicone leather, sometimes referred to as silicone-coated leather or silicone-treated leather, is a type of synthetic leather that incorporates a layer of silicone on its surface to enhance its properties and durability. Unlike traditional synthetic leathers made primarily from polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone leather introduces silicone as a key component.

Composition:

Base Material

Silicone leather typically begins with a base material, which can be fabric or a non-woven substrate made from materials such as polyester or cotton.

Silicone Coating

The distinguishing feature of silicone leather is the presence of a silicone coating or treatment on the surface. This coating is applied to the base material to create a protective layer with specific benefits.

Micro Suede

Micro suede, also known as microfiber suede or ultrasuede, is a type of synthetic fabric that is designed to mimic the look and feel of natural suede leather. It is a popular choice for a wide range of applications due to its luxurious appearance, soft texture, and durability.

Composition:

Microfiber Fabric: Micro suede is made from ultra-fine synthetic fibers, typically composed of polyester or a blend of polyester and polyurethane (PU). These fibers are densely woven to create a fabric with a suede-like texture.

Bonded Leather

Bonded leather, sometimes referred to as reconstituted leather or blended leather, is a type of composite material that is designed to mimic the appearance and texture of genuine leather while being more affordable. However, it's important to note that bonded leather is not entirely genuine leather. Instead, it is made by bonding together small pieces of leather or leather fibers with adhesives and then applying a layer of polyurethane (PU) or vinyl over the top to create a leather-like surface.

Composition:

Leather Scraps or Fibers

Bonded leather is created using leather scraps, fibers, or shavings that are byproducts of the leather manufacturing process. These materials are collected and processed. 

Adhesives

Adhesives or bonding agents are used to bind the leather particles together. These adhesives play a crucial role in holding the material together. 

Polyurethane (PU) or Vinyl Coating

After the leather particles are bonded, a layer of PU or vinyl is applied to the surface. This topcoat is embossed with a texture to give it a leather-like appearance.

Recycle leather

Recycled leather is a sustainable and eco-friendly material made from reclaimed or repurposed leather scraps, remnants, or waste generated during the leather production process. Instead of discarding these unused leather pieces as waste, they are collected, processed, and transformed into a new material with a range of potential applications.

Composition:

Leather Scraps

Recycled leather is primarily composed of leather scraps, cuttings, or leftovers from various stages of leather production. These scraps can come from tanneries, leather goods manufacturers, or other sources in the leather industry.

Binder or Adhesive

To create a cohesive material, the leather scraps are combined with a binding agent or adhesive. This binder holds the leather particles together and gives the recycled material its structure.

Processing

The leather scraps are typically processed into a pulp or fiber form, mixed with the binding agent, and then pressed and dried to form sheets or rolls of recycled leather.

These are just a few examples of the many types of artificial leather available, each offering different qualities and sustainability characteristics to meet various consumer preferences and needs.

Advantages of artificial leather

Artificial leather, often referred to as synthetic leather or faux leather, offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for a wide range of applications.

Affordability

Artificial leather is generally more cost-effective than genuine leather. It provides a similar look and feel at a lower price point, making it accessible to a wider range of consumers.

Animal-Friendly

Artificial leather is cruelty-free and does not involve the use of animal hides, making it a compassionate choice for those who want to avoid animal-derived products.

Consistency in Appearance

Artificial leather has a more consistent appearance compared to genuine leather. It doesn't have natural imperfections or blemishes, which can be appealing for those seeking a uniform aesthetic.

Hypoallergenic Properties

Artificial leather is less likely to cause allergies or skin sensitivities in comparison to genuine leather, which can sometimes contain allergenic compounds.

Customization

Manufacturers can easily control the properties of artificial leather, such as its thickness, texture, and finish, to meet specific design and performance requirements.

Availability

Artificial leather is widely available and can be produced in large quantities, ensuring a stable supply for industries like fashion, automotive, and furniture.

Reduced Waste

Artificial leather production can generate less waste compared to genuine leather processing, which often involves the disposal of animal hides.

Application fields of artificial leather

Artificial leather's versatility, durability, and ease of maintenance make it a practical choice for these and many other applications. Its availability in a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes allows for creative and functional design solutions in numerous industries.

Upholstery and Furniture

Sofa:

Artificial leather upholstery is popular for sofas, couches, and lounge chairs. 

Dining Chairs:

Dining chairs and bar stools often have artificial leather covers. 

Headboards:

Artificial leather is used to create stylish and durable headboards for beds. 

Automotive Interiors:

Car seats, dashboards, steering wheel covers, and door panels in automobiles often feature artificial leather for its durability and easy maintenance.

Interior Design

Wall Coverings:

Artificial leather can be used as a decorative and durable wall covering in homes, offices, and commercial spaces. 

Tabletops:

Restaurants and cafes may use artificial leather for tabletops as it is easy to clean and maintain. 

Room Dividers:

Artificial leather screens and room dividers provide a touch of luxury and privacy. 

Marine and Boat Upholstery:

Artificial leather is used in the marine industry for boat seats, cushions, and interior cabin coverings due to its resistance to water and UV rays.

Aviation and Aerospace

Artificial leather is used in aircraft and spacecraft interiors for seating, wall panels, and other applications due to its lightweight properties and durability.

Medical and Healthcare

Artificial leather is used in the healthcare industry for medical and dental chairs, examination tables, and hospital furniture due to its ease of cleaning and disinfection.

Electronics

Artificial leather can be found on the covers and cases of electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Sports and Fitness Equipment

Artificial leather is used in the manufacturing of sports equipment such as punching bags, weightlifting belts, and exercise benches.

Gaming Chairs and Accessories

Many gaming chairs and gaming accessories feature artificial leather upholstery for its comfort and style.