Effects of surface treatment method and fabric type on adhesion between PP material and artificial fabrics

Polypropylene (PP) is an exceptional engineering plastic owing to its cost-effectiveness, durability, lightweight nature, high heat resistance, and chemical stability. It is commonly bonded with fabrics to enhance its aesthetic appeal, particularly when used in automotive interiors and various other applications. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure strong adhesion between the PP substrate and fabric. In this study, we analyze the impact of various surface-treatment methods on the surface properties and adhesive strength of PP substrates, with the objective of increasing the bond strength between PP injection-molded products and artificial leather fabrics. In this study, woven and nonwoven fabric-type artificial leather fabrics, composed of polyurethane, are used. The PP substrate is subjected to three surface treatment methods: plasma, flame, and primer coating treatments. Surface analyses are performed to assess the effect of each treatment method, and adhesive strength measurements are performed using a adhesive to bond the PP substrate and fabrics. The adhesive strengths and peel morphologies are thor-oughly examined. The results indicate that the plasma-treated PP substrates exhibit the highest adhesive strengths. The findings of this study can provide valuable guidance for enhancing the adhesion between PP injection-molded products and fabrics for various industrial applications.