“Rexine” (artificial leather for table covers, seat covers, footwear) is made by coating thick cloth with which molten/plastisol polymer?

Introduction / Context:Artificial leather products such as rexine are widely used. The base fabric is typically coated with a PVC plastisol or organosol, then gelled and fused to create a durable, leather-like surface.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Rexine is historically associated with PVC-coated fabrics.
• Processing employs PVC dispersions with plasticisers and stabilisers, then heat-fusing.
• Other listed polymers do not match the classic rexine process.

Concept / Approach:PVC’s ability to form flexible, embossed films with good abrasion resistance and cleanability makes it ideal for coated fabrics that mimic leather. PTFE and phenolics are unsuitable; SBR is used in rubberised fabrics but not the canonical “rexine”; EVA appears in footwear foams rather than leather-like coatings.

Step-by-Step Solution:Identify polymer commonly used in leatherette coatings.Confirm PVC plastisol technology.Select PVC.

Verification / Alternative check:Manufacturing descriptions of PVC coated fabrics detail plastisol coating, gelation, and embossing steps typical for rexine.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:PTFE/Bakelite: incompatible with flexible coated fabric processing.SBR: rubber coatings exist but are not “rexine.”EVA: used more for foams/films, not classic leatherette coatings.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing generic “artificial leather” with any polymer coating; rexine is specifically associated with PVC.

Final Answer:PVC (polyvinyl chloride)