Artificial leather and PVC-coated fabrics are used widely, from furniture upholstery and car interiors to bags, shoes, clothing accessories, tarpaulins and covers. The first thing users notice in these products is the hand of the material, the feeling of softness it leaves. The choice of plasticizer directly determines that hand. This article explains the place of DOA in artificial leather and coated fabric production.
How is artificial leather made?
PVC artificial leather is usually made by coating a PVC plastisol or PVC compound onto a textile backing. Coating methods include knife coating, transfer coating and calendering. The coated layer is gelled by heat and forms a flexible surface. Pattern, colour and texture are applied to the surface to give a leather look.
The role of the plasticizer
In artificial leather, the plasticizer determines the softness, flexibility and hand of the PVC layer. Plasticizer type and level affect bending behaviour, surface feel and performance at different temperatures. In phthalate-free formulations DOTP is usually the main plasticizer, while DOA can be added to strengthen specific properties.
What DOA adds
DOA is known for helping the material stay flexible at low temperatures. This matters for artificial leather used in cold weather, such as outdoor furniture, winter clothing accessories, and motorcycle and vehicle upholstery. DOA can also contribute to a soft hand in the formulation. For identity details, see our article DOA (Dioctyl Adipate) Chemical Identity.
Use with DOTP
In artificial leather formulations DOA is usually used not on its own but with DOTP. DOTP provides general flexibility and the backbone of the formulation, while DOA supports cold flexibility. The ratio is set according to the end use and target hand. Details of this approach are in our article DOA and DOTP Blends.
Coated fabrics
Tarpaulins, awnings, tents, protective covers and industrial coated fabrics are also produced with PVC coating. These products are often used outdoors in changing weather. In coated fabrics that must fold or bend in the cold, DOA can be considered as a component supporting cold flexibility.
Formulation points
- Hand and surface feel: the plasticizer level determines softness.
- Cold flexibility: the temperature range of the environment should be considered.
- Volatility and migration: should be assessed for surface behaviour in long-term use.
- Colour and odour: especially important for interior and automotive applications.
- Processing behaviour: plastisol viscosity and gelation should suit the coating line.
Application examples
- Artificial leather for furniture and seat upholstery
- Car interiors and motorcycle seat covers
- Artificial leather for bags, wallets and shoes
- Clothing accessories
- Tarpaulins, awnings and protective covers
Supply
For artificial leather and coated fabric producers, planning DOA and DOTP together simplifies supply. Sharing your application, quality criteria, packaging preference and approximate quantity helps the quote be prepared correctly. Packaging and quantity are clarified in the quote. For DOTP, see also our DOTP plasticizer page.
Choosing by end use
Artificial leather and coated fabrics are used in furniture, bags, shoes, automotive and more, and each area has different expectations for touch, flexibility and durability. In outdoor products, behaviour in the cold comes to the fore, while in interior upholstery surface appearance and touch may matter more. The plasticizer should therefore be chosen with the product’s end use in mind. If you share your application, we will assess your supply request accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Can only DOA be used in artificial leather?
It is possible, but in most formulations DOA is used as a secondary plasticizer together with a general-purpose plasticizer such as DOTP.
How does DOA affect the hand of artificial leather?
The type and level of plasticizer determine the hand. It is advisable to set the ratio for your product by trial.
Conclusion
DOA is a phthalate-free plasticizer that complements DOTP in artificial leather and coated fabrics, especially for cold flexibility. See our DOA plasticizer page for details, and send your needs via the quote form.