A TEXTILE-ELASTOMER COMPOSITE PREFERABLE FOR TRANSFER OR FILM COATING AND METHOD OF MAKING SAID COMPOSITE
The present invention relates to a process for producing a fabric-elastomer composite that, when transfer or film coated, is preferable for use as an artificial leather substrate. The inventive procedure involves (a) producing an elastomer composition of at least four ingredients (an anionically-stabilized waterborne polymer dispersion, an acid-generating chemical, a cloud-point surfactant, and a foam-stabilizing surfactant); (b) incorporating sufficient gas into the liquid mixture to generate a spreadable foam; (c) applying the foam onto a porous textile substrate; (d) heating said foamed fabric until the elastomer coagulates over the fabric substrate; and (e) drying the resultant composite without destroying the coagulated structure. The resultant composite obtains a suppleness that is similar to that of leather and a surface that is suitable for transfer coating to produce artificial leather. The composite may be utilized as upholstery fabric in furniture or in automobiles, apparel, and the like. The particular composites produced are also contemplated within this invention.