PVC leather (polyvinyl chloride artificial leather) is a leather-like material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, with the addition of functional additives such as plasticizers and stabilizers, through coating, calendering, or lamination. The following is a comprehensive analysis of its definition, toxicity, and production process:
I. Definition and Structure of PVC Leather
1. Basic Composition
Base layer: Typically a woven or knitted fabric, providing mechanical support.
Intermediate layer: A foamed PVC layer containing plasticizers and foaming agents, imparting elasticity and softness.
Surface layer: A PVC resin coating, which can be embossed to create a leather-like texture and may also contain abrasion-resistant and anti-fouling treatments.
Some products also include a polyurethane (PU) adhesive layer or a transparent wear-resistant topcoat for enhanced performance.
2. Core Characteristics
Physical Properties: Hydrolysis resistance, abrasion resistance (flexibility up to 30,000 to 100,000 times), and flame retardancy (B1 grade).
Functional Limitations: Poor breathability (lower than PU leather), prone to hardening at low temperatures, and potential plasticizer release with long-term use.
2. Toxicity controversy and safety standards of PVC leather
Potential sources of toxicity
1. Harmful additives
Plasticizers (plasticizers): Traditional phthalates (such as DOP) may leak out and interfere with the endocrine system, especially when exposed to oil or high temperature environments.
Heavy metal stabilizers: Stabilizers containing lead and cadmium may migrate to the human body, and long-term accumulation may damage the kidneys and nervous system.
Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM): Residual VCM in production is a strong carcinogen.
2. Environmental and waste risks
Dioxins and other highly toxic substances are released during incineration; heavy metals seep into soil and water sources after landfill.
Recycling is difficult, and most of them become persistent pollutants.
Safety Standards and Protective Measures
China's mandatory standard GB 21550-2008 strictly limits the content of hazardous substances:
Vinyl chloride monomer: ≤5 mg/kg
Soluble lead: ≤90 mg/kg | Soluble cadmium: ≤75 mg/kg
Other volatiles: ≤20 g/m²
PVC leather that meets this standard (such as lead- and cadmium-free formulations, or using epoxidized soybean oil instead of DOP) has a lower toxicity risk. However, its environmental performance is still inferior to alternative materials such as PU leather and TPU.
Purchasing Recommendation: Look for environmental certifications (such as FloorScore and GREENGUARD) and avoid high-temperature use (>60°C) and contact with oily foods.
III. PVC Leather Production Process
Core Process
1. Raw Material Preparation
Surface Layer Slurry: PVC resin + plasticizer (such as DOP) + stabilizer (lead-free formulation) + colorant.
Foaming Layer Slurry: Add a blowing agent (such as azodicarbonamide) and a modified filler (such as attapulgite to improve weather resistance).
2. Molding Process
Coating Method (Mainstream Process):
Coat the release paper with a surface layer of slurry (drying at 170-190°C) → Apply the foaming layer of slurry → Laminate with the base fabric (polyurethane bonding) → Peel off the release paper → Apply a surface treatment agent with a roller.
Calendering Method:
Resin mixture is extruded through a screw (125-175°C) → Sheeted on a calender (roller temperature 165-180°C) → Hot-pressed with the base fabric.
Foaming and Post-Processing:
The foaming furnace uses staged temperature control (110-195°C) at a speed of 15-25 m/min to create a microporous structure.
Embossing (double-sided embossing) and surface UV treatment enhance tactile feel and wear resistance.
Environmentally Friendly Process Innovation
Alternative Materials: Epoxidized soybean oil and polyester plasticizers are used to replace phthalates.
Energy-saving transformation: Double-sided one-time lamination technology reduces energy consumption by 30%; water-based treatment agents replace solvent-based coatings.
- Functional modification: Add silver ions (antibacterial), modified clay (improve strength and aging resistance).
IV. Summary: Applications and trends
Application areas: automotive interiors (seats), furniture coverings, footwear (sports uppers), bags, etc.
Industry trends:
Restricted environmental protection policies (such as the EU PVC restriction), TPU/microfiber leather gradually replaces the mid-to-high-end market.
The "Technical Specifications for Green Design Product Evaluation" (T/GMPA 14-2023) is implemented in China to promote the environmental protection upgrade of products such as PVC floor leather.
Key conclusion: PVC leather can be used safely in compliance with safety standards, but the pollution risk in the production/waste links still exists. Environmentally certified products without heavy metals and phthalates are preferred, and attention is paid to the industry's transformation to PU/bio-based materials.
Post time: Jul-29-2025
