Breathable membranes
Also known as: Functional membrane
Thin polymer film laminated between shell and lining; waterproof and vapour permeable.
Description
Breathable membranes are thin polymer films (usually 10-25 µm of ePTFE, PU or PES) glue- or heat-laminated between shell and lining. 2-, 2.5- and 3-layer builds exist. Well-known brands: GORE-TEX® (ePTFE), Sympatex® (polyester copolymer), eVent®, Pertex Shield®.
Head > 10,000 mm (typically 20,000-28,000 mm per EN 20811 / ISO 811), MVTR 10,000-30,000 g/m2/24h, RET 3-13 m2Pa/W per ISO 11092. Micro-porous membranes (ePTFE) hold ~1.4 billion pores per cm2, each 20,000 times smaller than a raindrop yet 700 times larger than a water vapour molecule.
Ageing: delamination via hydrolysis, pore fouling by oils/salts, DWR wear on outer face (wet-out: membrane cannot breathe though technically intact). Follow care instructions. bluesign® and PFAS regulation (EU REACH) currently push the switch to ePE membranes (polyethylene).
Properties
| Test standard | EN 20811 / ISO 811, ISO 11092 |
|---|---|
| Typical values | 20,000-28,000 mm, RET 3-13 |
| Application | Premium rain/ski jackets |
Related product categories
Sources & references
3- Wikipedia: Membrane (waterproof) Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterproof_fabric
- GORE-TEX gore-fabrics.com https://www.gore-fabrics.com/
- Sympatex sympatex.com https://www.sympatex.com/
