Hig

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TPU

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Why High Recovery TPUElastomers?

Good fit can be described as a garment’sability to stretch & recover in response tothe body’s movement. Stretch & recoveryis the key performance feature requestedby designers, brands and manufacturersalike.While bonded garment technology ishere to stay, innovation continues toevolve. In response to the industry’s questfor improved stretch and recovery and theBemis commitment to innovation, wedeveloped a new line of TPU elastomers.We arrived at a truly unique solution forstretch & recovery for intimate apparelapplications through the use of newchemistries, advanced research andrealistic test methods.

Our High Recovery TPU Elastomers aredesigned to eliminate the need for elasticsused in bra wings and in panty waist andleg openings.These new tapes offer thebest recovery while still maintaining thesleek, smooth aesthetics of a Sewfree seam,band or hem. In addition to the designbenefits, careful attention to themanufacturing methods and fabrics usedin making intimate garments was given.These High Recovery TPU Elastomerssatisfy both the need for enhanceddesigns, better performance and the needfor greater flexibility in manufacturing.

Stitch Free Garments are hereto stay....

The replacement of sewn seams and hemswith tape or film bonded garments hasattracted increasing attention in recentyears. Bonded garments offer advantagesto both the end consumer and thegarment manufacturer. For the consumer,the benefits include greater comfort,appearance, and the availability of moreinnovative garment designs.

The manufacturer benefits from the abilityto offer enhanced designs and improvedaesthetics.They also benefit from theability to streamline not only the process,but the number of materials used in anygiven construction.

What is Sewfree®?

• An adhesive film used to replace stitching

• A continuous thermoplastic (TPU) adhesive film

• Offers uniform & precise coverage

• Specifically formulated to bond a variety of fabrics

• Soft and highly elastic

• Adheres to most synthetic & natural fibers

• Contains no VOCs or solvents

• Available in wide widths or in slit rolls

How is it used in Performance Wear?Sewfree® films & tapes eliminate the need for

bulky stitched seams and can improve the form,fit and function of any design.

Applications include:

• Lay-down fabric hems

• Lay-down elastic hems

• V-fold edges

• Y-fold edges

• Fold-over hems

• Neckline support

• Bonded bras with molded cups

• Gasket or die cut designs

• Body shaping

• Short gussets

• Embellishments

• Fabric insert / overlap seams

• Foam or pad attachment

• Bra straps

Excellent Stretch & Recovery:

Load Loss

How the garment fits after extended wearis another important feature whenconsidering stretch and recovery. Figure Ddemonstrates that the HR TPU possessedthe lowest loss in load.This data denotesthat a consumer will not notice a differencein the garment’s fit after many wash andwear cycles.

Modulus Options

Modulus or the overall “stiffness”of the tape can be selected. It is the force required to pull a sample to 50% elongation. High Recovery TPUElastomers are available in varying modulito accommodate the different applicationsand to match selected fabrics. Figure Eillustrates the hysteresis for the threedifferent modulus formulations.As you can see, the tapes maintainextremely low set and high recovery.

The modulus for 3914/102 um gauge is:2.2 N (0.5 lbs), the recovery is 96%

The Modulus for 3916/152 µm gauge is:3.2 N (0.7 lbs), the recovery is 96%

The Modulus for 3918/203 µm gauge is:4.4 N (1.0 lbs), the recovery is 97%

* Test Method

* Modulus:The force required to pull a 12 mm (0.47")wide sample by specified gauge to 50% elongation at 508 mm (20") per minute after 3 cycles.

* Recovery:The % of its shape retained after a 12 mm(0.47") sample is stretched to 50% elongation at a rate of 508 mm (20") per minute after 3 cycles.

Excellent Stretch & Recovery

The ability of a bonded hem to stretch tohigh strains and recover to its originallength can also be characterized by thehysteresis and set observed in a tensilestress-strain test. Our stress-strain testingwas performed three times to simulateboth the initial wear of a garment and theresponse of the garment to bodymovement during wear.

Excellent Stretch & Recovery:

Comparison

The distance between the loading andunloading curves is called hysteresis.Materials that are highly elastic exhibit low hysteresis. Figure B illustrates that thehysteresis for the High Recovery TPUElastomers (HR TPU) is low indicating thebest elasticity of the three tapes compared.Recovery refers to the total amount ofthe strain recovered after unloading,or 100% - observed set.The percentage of set affects recovery. As you can see inFigure C the HR TPU features the lowestset, resulting in the highest recovery of thethree tapes compared.

Stress/Strain Hysteresis Curve

Elongation

Forc

e

LoadForce

RecoveryForce

HysteresisSet

TPU SF3428 PUUHR TPU

Hysteresis Comparison after 3 Cycles*

Elongation (%)

Stre

ss (N

/m2 )

1250

1000

750

500

250

00% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%

* Per ASTM D412 Method

Total Set After Third Hysteresis Cycle

Set

Aft

er 3

Cyc

les

Stre

tch

*

4.0%

5.0%

3.0%

6%

4%

5%

3%

2%

1%

0TPU SF3428 PUUHR TPU

* Per ASTM D412 Method

Loss in Load:16 Hrs @ 30% Elongation

Loss

In L

oad

*

25.00%25.00%

10.00%

30%

20%

25%

15%

10%

5%

0TPU SF3428 PUUHR TPU

* Per ASTM D412 Method

HR TPU 3914HR TPU 3916HR TPU 3918

Hysteresis for HR TPU Modulus Variation: Cycle 3 of 3 Hysteresis at 50% Elongation

Elongation (%)

Stre

ss (N

/m2 )

1250

1000

750

500

250

00% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%

* Per ASTM D412 Method

Figure B

Figure A

Figure C Figure D Figure E

Outstanding Resistance toEnvironmental Yellowing

Bemis High Recovery TPU Elastomer tapeshave been formulated to have excellentresistance to environmental yellowing.

Figure H shows the results of exposure tothe combustion of natural gases.This testsimulates the environmental conditionscommonly responsible for yellowingfabrics, tapes and other polymers.

Superior Bond Strength

How good is an elastic tape thatdelaminates from the fabric after severalwashes? Regardless of the stretch andrecovery, a tape that will adhere to yourfabric is paramount. Bond strength is acrucial factor when evaluating durability.Figure F shows that the High RecoveryElastomer tapes exhibit the highest bondstrength both before and after washing.

Wide Processing Parameters

The ability to achieve good bond strengthat low activation temperatures is essentialwhen dealing with heat sensitive fabrics.Bemis High Recovery TPU Elastomer tapeshave the widest processing window.Theycan be bonded at low or hightemperatures, enabling greater flexibility inmanufacturing methods and allowing for awide variety in fabric types & weights.Figure G reveals that the HR TPUElastomers begin to achieve good bondstrength from the initial glue linetemperature of 110 degrees Celsius.

Bemis will test the compatibility of our tape with your fabric and design and recommend the tape choice as well as inform you of optimum processing parameters.

Peel

Str

eng

th (N

/cm

)

90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200

0

5

10

15

20

Glue Line Temperature (°C )

Bond Peel StrengthTPU SF3428 Before Wash PUU Before WashHR TPU Before Wash

TPU SF3428 After 25 Washes PUU After 25 WashesHR TPU After 25 Washes

Yellowing Under NOx Exposure

Yello

wn

ess

Ind

ex*

0

5

10

15

20

25

TPU SF3428

Zero hours

PUUHR TPU

25 hours

* AATCC Test Method 23-2005

Machine: Macpi Heat Press Bonding condition:130ºC, 4 bar, 25 seconds.Glue line: 121 - 127ºC

Film: 3916 on bra wing (8mm width)Bond Peel Strength:

Item Before Wash After Washlb / 8mm lb / 8mm

3916 1.39 1.21

Recovery:

Item 50% elongation 3 cycles 50% elongation 3 cycles(Immediate) (1 min relaxation)

3916 8mmBefore wash 98.1% 99.4%

3916 8mmAfter wash 97.5% 98.8%

Figure F Figure G Figure H

Other Features & Benefits

HR TPU Elastomers feature excellent “lay flat”properties.The samples in the photo below were bonded at therecommended processing conditions to a 83% cotton /13% Spandex fabric. Eachsample was pulled to 100% elongationwith a 15 second hold.This pull test wasrepeated 3 times. As you can see from thephoto, the new HR TPU Elastomer lays flat.

Total confidence wasengineered into this productright from the start.

High Recovery TPU Elastomer tapes aretruly innovative.

Features you can count on:

• Excellent Recovery

• Various Modulus Options

• Outstanding Resistance toEnvironmental Yellowing

• Superior Bond Strength

• Wide Processing Parameters

HR TPU

PUU

TPU SF3428

Lay Flat Properties

Ordering Information

The new High Recovery TPU Elastomertapes are stocked products. ContactBemis for further details.

Certification

Oeko Tex, Standard 100 Class 1 (Test No. 6187)

REACH compliant, European Union (EU)legislation concerning the Registration,Evaluation, Authorization and Restrictionof Chemicals (REACH)

CPSIA compliant, procedure CPSC-CH-E1002-08 title 1, section 101.Consumer Product Safety ImprovementAct (CPSIA)

NOTICE: Seller hereby excludes any express warranties and theimplied warranties of merchantability and fitness for aparticular purpose. The following is made in lieu of any such“warranties.” Bemis Associates, Inc. believes the informationand specifications supplied are reliable, but does notguarantee that any results shown or claimed will be obtained.Before using, the user shall determine the suitability andfitness of the product for its intended use. The user assumes allrisks and liability whatever in connection with its own testsand use. Neither seller nor manufacturer shall be liable for anyinjury, loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising out ofthe use, misuse or inability to use the product.

Properties

Formula 3914 3916 3918

Gauge 102 µm (0.004") 152 µm (0.006) 203 µm (0.008")

Composition Polyurethane Polyurethane Polyurethane

Appearance Transparent Transparent Transparent

Substrate Release Paper Release Paper Release Paper

Film Width 4 mm - 1372 mm 4 mm - 1372 mm 4 mm - 1372 mm

Weight 120 gm/m2 180 gm/m2 240 gm/m2

Hand Soft Soft Soft

Modulus1 @102 µm (0.004") @152 µm (0.006) @203 µm (0.008")

50% 2.2 N (0.5 lbs) 3.2 N (0.5 lbs) 4.4 N (0.5 lbs)

Recovery2 96% 96% 97%

Softening Point 95°C (203°F) 95°C (203°F) 95°C (203°F)

Glue Line Temperature3 110°C - 165°C 110°C - 165°C 110°C - 165°C (230°F - 329°F) (230°F - 329°F) (230°F - 329°F)

Suggested Bonding Conditions: Flat Press

Temperature 115°C - 170°C 115°C - 170°C 115°C - 170°C (239°F - 338°F) (239°F - 338°F) (239°F - 338°F)

Time 15 - 25 seconds 15 - 25 seconds 15 - 25 seconds

Pressure 2.8 - 4.2 Bar (40 - 60 psi) 2.8 - 4.2 Bar (40 - 60 psi) 2.8 - 4.2 Bar (40 - 60 psi)

Suggested Bonding Conditions: Continuous Press

Bonding Temperature 225°C - 325°C 225°C - 325°C 225°C - 325°C (Foot and Plate) (437°F - 617°F) (437°F - 617°F) (437°F - 617°F)

Air Temperature 200°C - 300°C 200°C - 300°C 200°C - 300°C(392°F - 572°F) (392°F - 572°F) (392°F - 572°F)

Speed 1.0 - 1.5 m/minute 1.0 - 1.5 m/minute 1.0 - 1.5 m/minute

Roller Pressure 2.0 Bar (29.4 psi) 2.0 Bar (29.4 psi) 2.0 Bar (29.4 psi)

1 Modulus: The force required to pull a 12 mm (0.47") wide sample by specified gauge to 50% elongation at 508 mm (20") per minute after 3 cycles.2 Recovery: The % of its shape retained after a 12 mm (0.47") sample is stretched to a 50% elongation at 508 mm (20") per minute after 3 cycles.3 Glue Line Temperature: The temperature of the adhesive in the process to achieve the best bond, not necessarily the machine setting.

www.bemisworldwide.com

Bemis Associates UKUnits 1-5Turnpike CloseGrantham, LincolnshireUnited Kingdom NG31 7XUTel. +44 (0) 1476 594000Fax +44 (0) 1476 576922

Bemis Associates Inc.One Bemis WayShirley, MA 01464800.543.1324Outside the continental US:Tel. +1 978 425 6761 Fax. +1 978 425 2278

Worldwide Products & ServiceLaboratories and offices in the US, Hong Kong, UK, Korea,Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Mexico and

Central America allow us to provide “local”support on a “global”basis.This has tremendous

advantages for brands looking to harmonize product supply, maintain quality, and provide

excellent service.This world-class technical support is based on our ability to analyze fabrics,

test adhesive compatibility and provide sound recommendations based on quantitative

lab results.

Quality ProductsAlthough thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films have been used for nearly a decade,

machine technology, fabric enhancements, and the constant demand for innovation

from designers clearly separate adhesive films from commodity products used in apparel

construction. Not all films are created equal. Bemis offers a range of formulations designed to

address specific application, processing and performance needs and the technical expertise to

guide you in the proper selection.

InnovationOur innovation prompted the development of Sewfree® adhesives and led the market

in the explosive growth of bonded apparel.We strive to continuously improve our

performance, our service, and our understanding of the needs of our customers.

We possess a wide range of adhesive chemistry to ensure that we have a tape that will

work in your application.

Industry LeaderBemis was the first in the market to offer adhesive films for bonding apparel. Bemis

consistently has taken the leadership role. If brands or factories need innovation, they

need Bemis.We have high standards in executing business practices, making ecologically

friendly products, and fostering civic mindedness.We’re a reliable vendor; we’ve been in

business for nearly one hundred years. Our success has allowed us to reinvest in our products,

equipment, and talent.We bring valuable and credible insights based on years of industry and

market experience.

Worldwide Products & Service

Quality Products

Innovation

Industry Leader

Bemis Hong Kong Ltd.7th Floor, East Warwick House,Taikoo Place, 979 King's Road,Quarry Bay,Hong KongTel. +852 2785 5155Fax. +852 2785 5455

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