TPU membrane
Also known as: Thermoplastic polyurethane membrane
Monolithic, hydrophilic membrane made of thermoplastic polyurethane; waterproof and breathable.
Description
TPU membranes are thin (10-25 µm), pore-free films of thermoplastic polyurethane. Water vapour is transported by solution-diffusion: molecules dock onto hydrophilic segments, diffuse along the chain and exit as vapour on the outside. No pores = no clogging by grease or detergent.
Typical values: head 10,000-30,000 mm per EN 20811 / ISO 811, MVTR 8,000-20,000 g/m2/24h per JIS L 1099, RET 6-12 m2Pa/W per ISO 11092. Brands: Sympatex®, Dermizax®, Toray Entrant®. TPU can be heat-welded, enabling seam-sealed constructions of high quality.
Ageing: TPU is prone to hydrolysis in warm-humid climates; ester-based grades age faster than ether-based. Plasticiser migration and UV can embrittle the film. TPU is chlorine- and PVC-free, bio-based TPU (from sugar cane) is available; PFC-free by design.
Properties
| Test standard | EN 20811 / ISO 811, ISO 11092 |
|---|---|
| Typical values | 10,000-30,000 mm, RET 6-12 |
| Application | Rain, ski, mountaineering |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Thermoplastic polyurethane Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoplastic_polyurethane
- Sympatex sympatex.com https://www.sympatex.com/
