Latest Tarpaulin Materials
Traditionally, Heavy Duty Tarpaulin has been made from materials like polyester, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and canvas. While effective, these standard materials have limitations.
Reinforced PVC
Adding fiberglass scrim or mesh to basic PVC creates a tarpaulin with 2-3x the puncture and tear resistance. The Harmony Tarp from DL Manufacturing is an example, using a 30% fiberglass reinforced PVC that is also more fire resistant.
Ballistic nylon
Used for decades in military and workwear applications, ballistic nylon brings tough abrasion resistance to tarps. W.A. Wright's Contractor series tarps feature 850D ballistic nylon with a polyurethane coating for extreme durability.
Advanced polymer blends
Composite materials like DuPont's Sorona integrate sustainable bio-based additives into tarp polymers. The result is fewer micro-tears during use and maintenance of strength in hot/cold environments.
These new tarpaulin materials maintain the functionality that tarps are known for while significantly improving lifespan, strength properties, and in some cases sustainability through the use of recycled or bio-based components. Advanced reinforced composites open up new applications for tarps in harsh work environments.
Advanced Coating Technologies
In addition to reinforced base materials, cutting-edge coatings enhance tarpaulin functionality. Traditional polyurethane and acrylic formulations effectively shed water but have limits. New resins and multi-layer coating systems take durability and protection to the next level.
Self-cleaning polymer topcoats are gaining popularity. With microscopic surface structures and photocatalytic additives, these coatings break down organic contaminants via natural sunlight. This prevents the buildup of dirt, grime, and algae that can degrade tarp performance over time. One example is DryWired Tarps' EverClean line.
Anti-microbial treatments integrated into coating chemistries help prevent mold and mildew growth on the tarp surface. This extends product lifespan in damp environments like greenhouse covers or marine applications. Chicago Provident uses a silver ion technology for its anti-microbial tarps.
Advanced UV inhibitors form an important layer in multi-part coating systems. By selectively absorbing high-energy UV wavelengths, these additives guard against common issues like loss of tensile strength and cracking from photo-degradation. Tarpaulin Sheet employs a 5-year UV package for maximum Sun protection.
Waterproof, breathable membranes also find use in high-end tarpaulin coatings. Functioning similar to Gore-Tex, these selective barrier materials allow moisture vapor to permeate while keeping liquid water out. This prevents condensation buildup in under-insulated covers for items like food trucks or equipment.
Through both surface-level and multi-layer approach coatings, vendors continue enhancing tarpaulins to self-clean, resist biological threats, safeguard from solar weathering, and provide optimized moisture management. This translates to longer usable life even in demanding outdoor environments.
Smart Tarps and Connected Covers
Taking functionality to new heights, "smart tarps" embedded with sensors and connectivity options are entering the market. Whether monitoring cargo shipments or work sites, these innovative covers bring real-time awareness and protection.
Remotely monitored covers allow shippers to track environmental conditions and the location of valuable loaded items. For example, TarpTech integrates RFID tags and sensors into heavy-duty tarps. Data on temp, humidity, light exposure, etc. beams to a dashboard for alerts if pre-sets are breached.
Structural health monitoring tarps aim to prevent accidents and costly damage. Partnering with the University of Michigan, US Covered developed a tarp system using fiber optic sensors. It maps stresses in real-time, identifying tripped hazards or torn fabric before catastrophic failure occurs.
Automated alerts keep workers safe. One promising waterproof tarp incorporates conductive polymer film to map its surface electrically. If tears form, a message is sent to ensure prompt repair before adverse weather hits the exposed area.
While current product offerings focus on industrial use cases, smart tarp tech could expand to recreational sectors too. Campers may use covers integrated with Bluetooth trackers for theft prevention and emergency location assistance when out of cell range.
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