Coated fabrics, such as protective clothing, electrical tape, draperies, and shades, are often purchased with emphasis on the properties of the surface coating rather than those of the textile fiber base.
Flexible cloth lacquers made from Eastman CAB-381 are used in coating non yellowing window shades and flame-resistant artificial leathers. More rigid formulations are used to stiffen loosely woven cloth for drapery linings and shirt collars.
Coated fabrics used on aircraft require low dimensional changes over a broad humidity and temperature range to maintain tautness. Eastman CAB-171 is widely used in the formulation of airplane dopes. Combining good moisture resistance with excellent film toughness and tautening action, it provides a lightweight, durable coating that is highly resistant to extremes of weather.
Elastomeric polyurethanes, when properly pigmented and applied, produce excellent coatings for fabrics used in the production of sportswear, rainwear, footwear, hats, coats, handbags, luggage, and upholstery for furniture and automobiles. CAB is used with urethane elastomers that are applied to cloth by the transfer coating method. Adding CAB improves hardness, which reduces dirt pickup and improves slip, and block and print resistance of the coating.