Material Comparison The material used in Top Dog garments and sleeves are made of the highest quality polyurethane, meaning they don’t have the same problems that other garments do. Why materials fail - Cracking The primary reason reusable garments fail is cracking in the material. Cracking begins at the molecular level as various chemical interactions occur within the material. Over time, small fissures develop, eventually leading to larger cracks. Once cracks completely penetrate the material, the user may be exposed to water, soils, or chemicals, leading them to dispose of the garment. Why materials crack - Exposure to elements Exposure to substances often found in production environments decreases the lifespan of materials. Animal fats, cleaning chemicals, degreasers, and laundering/water tend to speed material degradation because of their effect on plasticizers that are used by most garment manufacturers. In addition to the common contaminants listed above, other environmental factors like temperature, ultra-violet light, high humidity, and user abuse shorten lifespans. Why manufacturers use plasticizers Some manufacturers use plasticizers to soften materials like PVC. Without chemical plasticizers, PVC would be more durable, but it would also be extremely rigid, making it unsuitable for garment construction. Other manufacturers use plasticizers as a filler material to reduce the overall cost of materials. Pure polyurethane is significantly more expensive than polyurethanes mixed with plasticizers. Beyond material degradation, plasticizers also create several additional problems when exposed to different elements. Plasticizers leach out in the laundry process, causing cracking or delaminating. Plasticizers also off-gas, releasing odors and VOCs. Additionally, plasticizers stiffen as temperature drops, making them susceptible to cracking. Single use Top Dog Polyurethane (PU) Competitor Polyurethane (PU) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Reusable - Short-term (1-2 months)* Reusable - Long-term (3+ months)* Impervious to animal fats Impervious to degreasers Impervious to water/high humidity Made without plasticizers Remains flexible at low temps Wide chemical resistance Flexible - Will not crack Stretchable - Returns to original shape *Average usage times. Time can vary based on many variables including mechanical damage and user abuse. Polyethylene (PE)
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