Coated Aramid Fabric Archives

Navigating New Waters: The Rise of Advanced Fabrics in Inflatable Boat Design

Stronger, Lighter, and Built for the Elements

Inflatable boats have evolved significantly from the simple, air-filled craft once used for short trips and recreational purposes. Today, they’re mission-critical tools for defense units, rescue operations, and commercial marine crews that rely on performance and safety in every wave.

This evolution is driven by material innovation, particularly the emergence of advanced TPU-coated technical textiles. At E Squared Technical Textiles, we develop high-strength, weldable marine fabrics engineered to outperform traditional materials like PVC and Hypalon across durability, flexibility, and environmental performance.

From Utility Rafts to High-Performance Craft

Modern inflatable boats are now essential across a variety of sectors:

Search and Rescue (SAR): Quick-deploy boats that endure extreme conditions.
Defense & Law Enforcement: Lightweight yet resilient vessels for patrol and tactical missions.
Recreation & Sport: Sleek, high-pressure hulls offering superior speed and portability.
Commercial & Industrial: Heavy-duty support craft for offshore facilities and work platforms.

Regardless of mission, the common denominator is trust in the material envelope, the outer fabric that determines safety, weight, and long-term reliability.

Why Material Choice Matters

Traditional coatings, such as PVC and Hypalon, have served the marine industry for decades. However, they face growing limitations:

UV degradation and yellowing over time
Heavier weight requirements for durability
Adhesive-based seams that weaken under repeated stress
Environmental and regulatory challenges around solvent use

E Squared’s TPU-coated fabrics solve these pain points through molecular-level engineering and clean, weldable construction.

The TPU Advantage

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) has redefined what inflatable boats can achieve. Our specialized aliphatic and aromatic TPU coatings deliver:

Outstanding UV Resistance: Prevents fading and cracking under prolonged exposure.
High Abrasion Strength: Endures launches, drags, and impacts without additional layers.
Seam Integrity: Heat-weldable construction eliminates glues, improving strength and sustainability.
Flexibility Across Climates: Performs reliably from -50 °C to 70 °C.
Chemical & Fuel Resistance: Stable in saltwater, fuels, and cleaning agents.

These properties allow manufacturers to produce boats that are lighter, stronger, and more cost-efficient to build and maintain.

TPU vs. Conventional Materials

Property	E Squared TPU-Coated Fabric	Hypalon (CSM)	PVC
UV Resistance	Excellent	Moderate	Poor
Seam Method	Weldable	Adhesive	Adhesive
Weight	Lightweight	Heavy	Light-medium
Abrasion Resistance	Superior	Moderate	Moderate
Environmental Impact	Recyclable, solvent-free	Limited recyclability	High VOC adhesives

TPU strikes the balance between performance and environmental compliance, making it the clear choice for modern marine production.

Custom Fabric Solutions for Every Marine Mission

E Squared collaborates with designers and OEMs to tailor TPU coatings and substrates for unique requirements such as:

Defense-grade inflatable boats that demand stealth coatings and superior seam adhesion.
Tour and rescue boats requiring UV stability in tropical climates.
Commercial support vessels needing heavy-duty puncture and abrasion resistance.
Recreational RIBs emphasizing lightweight construction and premium aesthetics.

Our production facilities are designed for consistent quality, batch traceability, and customizable formulations to meet your performance and certification needs.

Sustainability on the Water

Environmental responsibility is no longer optional—it’s expected. E Squared’s TPU fabrics support sustainable manufacturing through:

Glue-free seam technology that removes toxic solvents from production.
Lower emissions during processing and welding.
Recyclable fabric components that extend product life cycles.

Manufacturers gain not only regulatory peace of mind but also a stronger brand story aligned with eco-conscious marine practices.

The Future of Inflatable Boat Fabrics

Material science continues to steer innovation in the marine world. As inflatable boats become faster, more capable, and more specialized, aliphatic and aromatic TPU textiles will remain central to their evolution.

How to Build Inflatable Boats with Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

Turning Innovative Materials into Dependable Marine Performance

Inflatable boats have become essential tools for rescue teams, defense fleets, and marine professionals who need lightweight, durable, and flexible craft. Their reliability depends on the quality of the coated fabric that holds air, resists damage, and endures harsh environmental conditions.

At E Squared Technical Textiles, we supply high-performance TPU-coated fabrics that make inflatable boats stronger, lighter, and easier to produce while meeting modern safety and sustainability standards.

Why Choose TPU for Inflatable Boats

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) combines the strength of engineering plastics with the flexibility of rubber. Its unique structure allows boat manufacturers to achieve superior performance in every application.

Key benefits include:

Weldable seams that remove the need for toxic adhesives
Excellent resistance to UV light, fuel, and abrasion
Flexibility from -50 °C to 70 °C
Smooth, consistent surfaces that hold air and pressure
Lower environmental impact compared with PVC and Hypalon

These advantages make TPU the preferred fabric coating for modern inflatable boats that must balance performance, durability, and environmental responsibility.

How Inflatable Boats Are Built Using TPU-Coated Fabric

1. Selecting the Right TPU Fabric

Boat designers choose the TPU formulation that matches their operational needs.

Aromatic TPU provides superior puncture resistance and strength for inner layers and floor reinforcements.
Aliphatic TPU offers long-term UV stability and color retention, making it ideal for outer coatings and visible surfaces.

E Squared supplies both types with polyester or nylon base fabrics in a range of thicknesses to meet strength and flexibility requirements.

2. Cutting and Preparing the Panels

TPU fabrics are precision-cut for accurate fit and minimal waste. The edges remain clean and smooth, ensuring airtight seams and a professional appearance once assembled.

3. Welding the Seams

Unlike Hypalon or PVC, which rely on glues, TPU allows thermal welding by hot-air, impulse, or radio-frequency (RF) methods. Welding creates a molecular bond that is stronger and more uniform than any adhesive joint.

Welding advantages:

Stronger, more consistent seams
Reduced production time
No chemical solvents or hazardous waste
Easier automation and repeatability

4. Assembling Tubes and Chambers

After welding, the panels are formed into tubes or chambers. TPU’s elasticity allows them to inflate to the desired shape and maintain pressure without stretching or cracking, even after repeated folding or deployment.

5. Finishing and Testing

The assembled tubes are heat-sealed, embossed, or printed with brand graphics. Each finished section undergoes pressure-retention, UV-aging, and abrasion testing to ensure long-term reliability in real marine environments.

Property	TPU-Coated Fabric	Hypalon (CSM)	PVC
Seam Method	Weldable	Adhesive	Adhesive
UV Resistance	Excellent (Aliphatic TPU)	Moderate	Poor
Abrasion Resistance	High	Medium	Medium
Weight	Lightweight	Heavy	Light
Environmental Impact	Solvent-free and recyclable	Limited recyclability	High VOC adhesives

TPU delivers consistent strength, lighter weight, and improved environmental compliance compared with older marine coatings.

Customization Options from E Squared

E Squared works directly with marine OEMs to customize TPU-coated fabrics for specific designs and production requirements.

Our capabilities include:

Single-sided or dual-sided coatings
Base fabric selection (polyester, nylon, or blended)
Surface textures for grip or aesthetics
Color-matched aliphatic coatings for sun-exposed areas
Weld-adhesion optimization for your equipment

Each material is produced with strict quality control and full traceability to ensure repeatable results from prototype to mass production.

Sustainability Advantages

Our TPU fabrics support sustainable manufacturing through:

Elimination of glue and solvent adhesives
Reduced production emissions
Recyclable thermoplastic materials
Extended product life cycle to reduce waste

Manufacturers who switch from Hypalon or PVC to TPU gain both performance improvements and measurable environmental benefits.

Why Boat Builders Partner with E Squared

Proven material performance in defense, rescue, and commercial fleets
Consistent global supply and technical support
Expertise in welding, lamination, and product integration
Scalable production capacity for OEM programs.

From small rescue boats to high-speed tenders, E Squared provides marine fabrics engineered to handle the toughest conditions on the water.

Ready to Build with TPU?

Design your next inflatable boat with TPU-coated fabrics that improve strength, reliability, and sustainability.

👉 Request Fabric Samples
👉 Download Technical Data Sheets
👉 Speak with Our Marine Applications Team

Lightweight Inflatable Kayaks: Material Choices that Balance Portability & Durability

Why Material Matters for Lightweight Kayaks

For paddlers who travel light—short hikes to the water, flights, urban transport—inflatable kayaks offer unmatched flexibility. But every ounce and every square inch of material affects performance: weight, packability, resistance to abrasion, UV exposure, and longevity.

At E Squared, we help kayak manufacturers and outdoor gear designers match material technologies with user needs so that “lightweight” doesn’t mean “fragile.” The right textile builds confidence—not compromise.

Key Decision Points When Selecting Fabric

Before settling on PVC, CSPE, TPU, or hybrids, it’s crucial to answer some foundational questions. These guide material trade-offs for portability, durability, cost, and user satisfaction.

Decision Area	Questions to Ask	Why It Matters
Use Case & Environment	Will your kayak be used mostly in saltwater, freshwater, or mixed? How much UV & sun exposure? What temperature extremes?	Affects material degradation, weight choice, chemical resistance.
Portability & Storage	What weight & pack-size targets are feasible? Are inflating/deflating times important? Is seam repair possible in field?	Drives choice of seam type, material flexibility, ease of transport.
Durability & Performance	What abrasion or impact is expected (rocks, sand, dragging)? How often will it be inflated/deflated? Expected service life (years)?	Critical for selecting coatings, reinforcement, fabric strength.

Comparing Common Materials: Pros, Cons & Best Applications

Here’s a breakdown of material options, aligned with those decision areas above:

Material	Advantages	Trade-Offs	Best Fit When…
PVC	Affordable, good UV tolerance, widespread availability. EREZ Technical Textiles	Heavier than TPU alternatives; environmental concerns; less desirable for ultra-portable packrafts. EREZ Technical Textiles	Targeting low cost, occasional use, less concern for carry-weight.
CSPE (Hypalon-type)	Excellent UV & chemical resistance; good durability. EREZ Technical Textiles	Usually only adhesive bonding; heavier; less efficient to manufacture/repair. EREZ Technical Textiles	Boats expected to see heavy sun/nearly perpetual UV exposure, long lifespans, less critical on weight.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)	Strong abrasion & puncture resistance; lighter; heat-weldable seams; more eco-friendly options.EREZ Technical Textiles	Cost is higher; specialized welding or bonding techniques needed; some trade-offs in stiffness unless reinforced.	When weight, packability, durability, and field repairability are all high priorities. “Packraft” style kayaks often use TPU. EREZ Technical Textiles

Advanced Fabric Features: Going Beyond the Basics

If you’re pushing the limits of “lightweight but rugged,” these features make a real difference:

Reinforced coatings or yarns (e.g. Aramid/Kevlar reinforcements) to reduce puncture risk without heavy bulk.
Heat-welded seams over adhesives: better air retention, cleaner overlap, improved repairability in the field.
High UV stability additives + resistant color pigmentation: prevents fading, brittleness.
Layered or hybrid constructions (lighter base + reinforced bottom panels) to optimize weight vs wear.

Aligning Your Material Choice with Design Goals

At E Squared, we don’t just deliver materials—we help you structure your specification so that the final product satisfies real user demands. Here’s how our process works:

Design-Input Survey: Establish weight, packability, use environment, expected abuse, cost target.
Material Recommendation Matrix: Map responses to material & seam options.
Sample Prototyping & Testing: Check abrasion, inflation cycles, UV exposure, seam strength.

Adjustment & Optimization: Reinforce weak points, adjust coatings, refine color & visibility as needed.

Why E Squared Is the Right Material Partner

Experienced in TPU formulations tuned for UV, abrasion, chemical resistance.
Skilled in heat welding techniques and advising on seam types that hold up under use.
Offer reinforced hybrid fabric solutions (e.g. lightweight TPU + high strength yarns).
Focus on eco-impact and lifespan, ensuring materials are as sustainable and long-lasting as possible.

Summary: What to Prioritize

If you’re developing or refining a lightweight inflatable kayak line, prioritize:

TPU with welding seams if minimal weight + durability are key.
Reinforced bottoms or high wear areas.
UV-stable color and coatings if used under strong sun.
A good balance between portability (weight, pack size) and robustness (abrasion, impact, seam strength).

Ready to Explore Material Options for Your Kayak Line?

Let’s talk about your target weight, usage, and design goals—and match them to TPU/Hybrid fabric solutions that deliver.

Contact E Squared Technical Textiles for material samples, technical specifications, or a design consultation tailored to your inflatable kayak project.

Choosing the Right TPU-Fabric for RIB Boats: A Guide to Performance, Conditions, and Design

When Environment Meets Expectation: Why RIB Material Selection Matters

Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) aren’t just vessels; they’re precision tools operating between ocean, weather, and engineering constraints. From commercial rescue crafts to weekend explorers, each use case brings demands: corrosion from salt, fading from UV, stress from speed, and safety from structural design.

At E Squared, we help manufacturers and designers pull back the curtain on what really matters when choosing TPU-coated textiles for RIB applications. Our survey-based approach ensures material choices align with real-world environments, performance needs, and design constraints—long before prototyping or production begins.

The RIB Textile Assessment: What to Ask Before Choosing Materials

To select a fabric that balances cost, durability, and performance, these are the foundational questions you should answer early in design:

Assessment Area

Key Questions to Consider

Operational Environment

Is the RIB mostly in saltwater, freshwater, or both?
How often will it be exposed to UV (daily, seasonal, constant)?
What temperature extremes (cold/hot) or climate variations will be encountered? EREZ Technical Textiles

Performance Profile

Tube diameter and shape
Inflation pressure
How tubes attach to hulls or frames
Welding, bonding, or assembly method.
Desired safety visibility / color retention EREZ Technical Textiles.

5 Key Performance Features to Match Your Survey Responses

Once you’ve answered the questions above, you can map your needs to fabric features. These are critical:

Enhanced UV & Chemical Stability
If seawater, strong UV, or constant exposure is in your survey, you’ll need TPU compounds with advanced UV stabilizers and chemical resistance to prevent degradation, color loss, or brittleness over time.
Strength & Impact Resistance
High-speed or commercial RIBs need fabric with superior tear, puncture, and tensile strength. Fabric thickness, reinforcement, and coating adhesion play big roles here.
Flexibility & Fatigue Resistance
The fabric must repeatedly bend, expand, compress, and flex with waves and motion without delamination, cracking, or loss of air integrity.
Lightweight Construction
Larger tube diameters, higher pressure designs, or heavier loads all increase the material demands. But weight matters—for speed, fuel efficiency, and handling. Selecting lighter but high-performing grades of TPU can help.
Color Retention & Visibility
Bright, fade-resistant colors aren’t just for aesthetics—they enhance safety (visibility in rescue, SAR, etc.). UV fading, bleaching, or discoloration can reduce contrast and operational effectiveness.

How E Squared Helps You Make the Right Decision

We don’t believe in “one size fits all.” Here’s how E Squared assists in aligning your RIB design with the right textile solution:

Survey-based material matching: We work with you on those operational & design questions early to narrow down the right TPU formulations.
Technical data and testing support: Tensile, UV, chemical, impact, fatigue – we have test results so you know what you’re getting.
Fabric customization & finishing options: UV coatings, reinforcements, color fastness, welding compatibility.
Prototyping & iteration: Sample runs, small-batch tests to ensure your design responds well in practice, not just on paper.

Why E Squared Stands Out

Between manufacturing know-how, compliance knowledge, and textile science, E Squared brings together performance and reliability. We help brands avoid costly redesigns, material failures, or under-performing boats by getting material selection right the first time.

Ready to Get Surveyed & Specified?

Don’t wait until the water tells you where the design failed. Let’s work together to map your RIB design—or upcoming project—to the right TPU fabric that holds up in salt, sun, speed, and years.

Contact E Squared Technical Textiles to request a material selection survey, get sample swatches, or schedule a design-review consultation.

Fires on the Rise: How TPU-Coated Fabrics Power Next-Generation Firefighting Buckets

Fires on the Rise: Why Material Innovation Matters

From Southern California to the Mediterranean basin, wildfires are growing in frequency and intensity. With fires on the rise, the demand for reliable aerial firefighting equipment has never been higher.

Among the most critical tools in this fight are helicopter-deployed water buckets, which deliver fast, targeted water or retardant drops in some of the most extreme conditions imaginable.

At E Squared, we partner with firefighting bucket manufacturers and designers to select and engineer the right TPU-coated textiles—meeting the unique mechanical, environmental, and performance challenges these airborne systems face.

What Makes an Effective Aerial Firefighting Bucket?

Whether outfitting civilian wildfire crews or military support teams, a dependable water bucket must deliver:

Rapid deployment and refill capabilities
Resilience under heavy, shifting loads
Resistance to abrasion and puncture
Lightweight efficiency for aircraft performance
High visibility for coordinated air–ground operations

Meeting these needs requires more than an off-the-shelf fabric. It demands engineered textile solutions tailored to the realities of aerial firefighting.

5 Critical Fabric Features for Firefighting Buckets

1. Mechanical Strength & Flexibility

Buckets undergo constant stress—from turbulent water movement to rapid release cycles. E Squared TPU-coated fabrics balance tensile strength with flexibility, ensuring they fold, flex, and deploy without cracking, delaminating, or warping.

2. UV and Weather Resistance

Buckets face prolonged sun exposure, temperature extremes, and chemical retardants. Our TPU systems are engineered for long-term UV stability and chemical resistance, maintaining strength and color even in the harshest wildfire zones.

3. Abrasion and Tear Resistance

Firefighting gear scrapes against trees, rocks, and aircraft equipment. Reinforced coatings and specialized surface treatments provide exceptional puncture and abrasion resistance, extending service life under rugged conditions.

4. Lightweight Efficiency

Every kilogram matters in aerial firefighting. TPU-coated textiles deliver a high strength-to-weight ratio, reducing aircraft load while maintaining reliability and durability.

5. Color and Safety Visibility

Bright, fade-resistant colors like orange, red, and yellow improve visibility for pilots and ground crews. E Squared’s coatings ensure lasting vibrancy to support operational safety and coordination.

Collaboration Over Catalogs

Choosing the right material isn’t as simple as selecting a spec sheet. At E Squared, we collaborate with clients from the design phase to ensure each textile solution matches:

Manufacturing processes
Intended operational environments
Target lifespan and maintenance requirements
Compliance standards (NFPA, ISO)
Custom branding or visibility needs.

This partnership-first approach ensures firefighting buckets not only meet performance targets but also exceed real-world demands.

Why E Squared?

At E Squared, our strength lies in collaborative problem-solving. We don’t just supply coated fabrics — we help manufacturers work backward from performance goals to textile solutions.

We provide:

Design-phase consulting for aerial equipment builds
Custom TPU-coated textile development for performance-critical gear
Technical testing data packages for compliance teams.

Rapid sampling, prototyping, and iteration support

Ready to Build Better Firefighting Equipment?

Wildfires are only getting more extreme — and so are the demands on firefighting equipment. Partner with E Squared to source TPU-coated textiles that deliver the strength, safety, and sustainability required when lives, land, and aircraft are on the line.

Why Aliphatic TPU is Transforming the RIB Boat Industry

The Material Upgrade Marine Manufacturers Have Been Waiting For

Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) have evolved dramatically from humble inflatable crafts to high-performance vessels trusted by militaries, rescue teams, and marine professionals worldwide. As demands grow for lighter, stronger, and more durable boats, manufacturers are reevaluating the materials that comprise their inflatable structures.

Enter aliphatic TPU—the advanced thermoplastic polyurethane revolutionizing RIB boat construction.

At E Squared Technical Textiles, we’ve engineered high-performance aliphatic TPU fabrics that redefine what’s possible in marine durability, aesthetics, and environmental resilience.

From PVC and CSPE to TPU

Early RIBs relied on basic PVC and rubber compounds. Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber (CSM) advanced the game in the 1960s, offering better UV and chemical resistance. However, even CSPE has its limits, especially under extreme marine conditions.

Modern RIBs face:

Prolonged sun and saltwater exposure
Rough usage in emergency deployments
Demands for aesthetics and weight savings

Traditional materials struggle to keep up. Aliphatic TPU doesn’t.

What Is Aliphatic TPU?

Aliphatic TPU is a specialized formulation of polyurethane with an open-chain, non-aromatic chemical structure. This molecular difference yields massive performance gains:

Unmatched UV resistance: No yellowing, cracking, or degradation under sunlight
Superior abrasion and tear resistance: Withstands physical stress without added thickness
Exceptional flexibility across temperatures: Performs from -50°C to 70°C
Enhanced chemical and hydrolysis resistance: Ideal for saltwater and fuel exposure
Naturally antimicrobial: Rated 0 for fungal growth

It’s the future-proof material the marine world has been waiting for.

Aliphatic TPU vs. Aromatic TPU

Feature	FeatureAliphatic TPU	TPUAromatic TPU
UV Stability	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆
Color Retention	No yellowing	Fades over time
Flexibility	Excellent at extreme temps	Moderate
Marine Durability	Superior	Decent, but degrades faster
Ideal Use	RIBs, offshore vessels	Indoor/outdoor mixed-use

Why Not Stick with CSPE?

CSPE has served the industry for decades, but it’s now phasing out in many regions due to environmental regulations and performance gaps.

Performance Factor	Aliphatic TPU	Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber (CSM)
UV Resistance	Superior	Moderate
Seam Construction	Fully weldable	Glue only (weaker, labor-intensive
Weight	Lightweight	Heavier (requires thick coating)
Durability	Exceptional	Moderate
Environmental Impact	Lower emissions, recyclable	Toxic adhesives, limited recyclability

E Squared’s Premium Aliphatic TPU Grades for RIB Boats

TPU 2137 L

Top-side 100% aliphatic TPU coating for max UV protection
550/550 N trapezoid tear strength
-50°C to 70°C flexibility range
<10mg abrasion loss per 1000 cycles (Taber test)
450/450 N/5cm weld adhesion
Antibacterial rating: 0 (no growth)

Ideal for high-speed, high-UV marine vessels that require top-tier mechanical performance.

TPU 2051

Engineered for tropical climates & saltwater exposure
2000 N puncture resistance
Superior hydrolytic stability
<5mg abrasion loss per 1000 cycles
Antibacterial and highly flexible
Same aliphatic UV coating as TPU 2137 L

Ideal for boats exposed to warm, wet, biologically active environments.

Common Industry Questions

Q: Is aliphatic TPU the same as aromatic TPU?

No. Aliphatic TPU is significantly more UV- and weather-resistant, which is crucial for outdoor marine use.

Q: Is polyurethane the same as polyaspartic?

No. Polyaspartics cure faster but lack the same impact and flexibility performance as high-grade TPU.

Q: How many types of polyurethane exist?

There are many: thermoplastics, thermosets, foams, coatings, and dispersions. For RIBs, thermoplastic aliphatic TPU is the superior option.

Why RIB Manufacturers Choose E Squared Aliphatic TPU

Extended Boat Life: Long-term durability means fewer replacements
Reduced Warranty Claims: Fewer failures, fewer returns
Aesthetic Longevity: No fading or yellowing
All-Climate Resilience: Performs from Arctic to equator
Environmental Compliance: Lower toxicity, recyclable, glue-free production.

The Future Is Aliphatic

RIB manufacturers worldwide are turning to aliphatic TPU to build stronger, lighter, longer-lasting boats.

At E Squared Technical Textiles, we partner with the top marine brands to deliver TPU materials that exceed real-world demands.

Ready to build the next generation of RIB boats?

Contact our team to explore samples, technical data, and custom formulations tailored to your marine application.

Marine Safety Fabrics: 5 Critical Features of TPU-Coated Textiles for Life-Saving Gear

From Co2 triggered life vest and rescue rafts to emergency equipment and waterproof gear, marine safety products demand more than performance — they must protect lives. For manufacturers, sourcing the right TPU-coated nylon or polyester fabric is essential for building durable, regulation-compliant gear that withstands the ocean’s most extreme conditions.As marine safety evolves—with growing interest in bio-based TPUs, nanotech coatings, and enhanced fire resistance—knowing what to look for in marine-grade textiles is more important than ever.
Below are five essential performance features to consider when evaluating TPU-coated fabrics for marine applications:

1. Air Retention in Inflatable Life-Saving Systems

Air retention is non-negotiable in inflatable safety gear. Whether it’s a manually inflated raft or an automatically triggered life vest, the fabric must hold air under pressure and across temperature swings.

- TPU-coated fabrics excel in maintaining internal pressure with minimal leakage.
- New molecular bonding technologies deliver up to 40% greater air retention compared to earlier generations.
- These textiles perform reliably in both polar seas and tropical waters.

E Squared is a global leader in Co2 triggered life vest bladder fabrics, trusted by marine safety brands across Europe and the U.S.

2. Chemical Resistance for Harsh Marine Environments

Marine textiles face continuous exposure to salt, oil, fuel, and industrial runoff. High-performance TPU-coated nylon resists:

- Saltwater corrosion
- Hydrocarbons and fuel spills
- Abrasion and mechanical wear

Next-generation coatings are also shifting toward microplastic-free formulations, offering chemical protection while reducing environmental impact. Increased resistance to biofouling helps fabrics stay cleaner in warming, algae-prone waters.

3. Flexibility and Strength Under Stress

Life-saving fabrics must bend and fold repeatedly without tearing or losing integrity. TPU-coated materials provide:

- Consistent elasticity after countless deployment cycles
- Strength retention after prolonged UV or salt exposure
- Polymer blends engineered for flexibility across extreme temperatures

These properties make TPU-coated fabrics the gold standard where durability, comfort, and safety must coexist.

4. UV Stability for Long-Term Outdoor Performance

UV radiation is among the most destructive forces for marine fabrics, leading to fading, cracking, and chemical breakdown. Advanced TPU-coated fabrics infused with UV stabilizers provide:

- Resistance to both UVA and UVB degradation
- Service lifespans of 15+ years under direct sun exposure
- Superior outdoor weatherability with reduced color shift and cracking

For gear used in open-deck or unshaded environments, UV protection is critical to long-term performance

5. Compliance with Global Marine Safety Standards

Every marine textile must pass rigorous testing to meet international compliance benchmarks. In 2025, regulatory standards increasingly focus on:

- Lifecycle assessments and recyclability
- Fire resistance and safety under extreme conditions
- Compatibility with circular economy requirements

E Squared’s TPU-coated fabrics are engineered to meet or exceed ISO, SOLAS, and international marine safety certifications, ensuring your products remain market-ready as standards evolve.

The E Squared Commitment to Marine Safety Innovation

Every marine project has unique requirements, but the best fabrics consistently deliver on air retention, chemical resistance, flexibility, UV durability, and compliance.

At E Squared, our TPU-coated textiles for Co2 triggered life vest, rafts, and inflatables are designed with these priorities in mind — helping manufacturers build products that meet today’s toughest challenges and tomorrow’s stricter standards.

Ready to source high-performance TPU marine fabrics?

Contact E Squared Technical Textiles to request fabric samples, review technical specs, or schedule a consultation for your next marine safety project.

GET IN TOUCH

Where Strength Meets Precision: How Coated Kevlar Fabric Powers Next-Gen Products

In the modern era, technical fabrics are revolutionizing countless industries, from automotive to aerospace, protective clothing to industrial equipment. Among these advanced materials, one stands out due to its superior strength and versatility: coated aramid fabric, commonly known by its trade name, Kevlar.

Coated aramid fabric combines aramid fibers’ remarkable strength and durability and the versatility of various coating materials. While highly effective, this innovative material has its challenges. This article will delve into the unique advantages and challenges of Kelvar and its best applications.

EXCEPTIONAL ADVANTAGE:
HIGH PUNCTURE RESISTANCE

The primary advantage of kelvar is its high puncture resistance. Aramid fibers are five times stronger than steel on an equal-weight basis. This strength makes the coated aramid fabric incredibly hard to tear or puncture, surpassing the capabilities of many traditional materials.

When coated, these fabrics gain added resistance to elements like water, oil, and various chemicals, thereby extending their lifespan and functionality. The high puncture resistance makes coated aramid fabric perfect for applications where durability and longevity are paramount.

KEY CHALLENGE:
CONNECTING KEVLAR TO PLASTIC

Despite its numerous advantages, working with coated aramid fabric presents some challenges. One significant challenge is connecting Kevlar to plastic. Due to its exceptional strength, aramid fibers can be difficult to bond with other materials, particularly plastics.

Solution providers must devise creative strategies and use specially designed adhesives or mechanical bonding methods to overcome this. It is a delicate process that requires expertise and precision to maintain the integrity and performance of the coated aramid fabric.

BEST APPLICATIONS OF COATED
ARAMID FABRIC

Given its high puncture resistance and durability, coated aramid fabric is ideally suited for a wide range of applications:

1. COATED ARAMID FABRIC AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

Coated aramid fabric is commonly used in the production of protective clothing. Its high puncture resistance and heat tolerance make it perfect for producing body armor, cut-resistant gloves, firefighting uniforms, and spacesuits.

2. AEROSPACE AND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIES

In the aerospace and automotive industries, where strength-to-weight ratio is a key concern, Kelvar is often used. Its lightweight, high-strength characteristics make it ideal for producing parts that withstand high stress and impact.

3. SPORTS EQUIPMENT

Coated aramid fabric’s high tensile strength and puncture resistance make it a valuable material in sports equipment like racing sails, bicycle tires, and high-performance gear.

4. INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Coated aramid fabrics come into play in industries where equipment must withstand harsh conditions. These fabrics make heat-resistant and cut-resistant covers, conveyor belts, and high-pressure hoses.

5. COATED ARAMID FABRIC AND ELECTRONICS

Kelvar is also used in the electronics industry due to its excellent thermal, chemical, and dimensional stability.

In conclusion, coated aramid fabric offers boundless possibilities across various industries with its unique combination of high puncture resistance and exceptional durability. While the challenge of connecting Kevlar to plastic exists, technical advancements and innovative solutions continue to widen its applicability. As we continue to explore and understand its full potential, the coated aramid fabric is set to redefine the future of material science and applications.