Development History of Waterproof Breathable Membrane

Polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as waterproof breathable membrane, is generally called "non-stick coating". It is a synthetic polymer material that uses fluorine to replace all hydrogen atoms in polyethylene. This material has the characteristics of acid and alkali resistance and resistance to various organic solvents. It is almost insoluble in all solvents. 

At the same time, the waterproof breathable membrane has the characteristics of high temperature resistance, and its friction coefficient is very low which is the same as the windproof membrane. Let's learn about the history of waterproof and breathable membrane!

First Generation: Fabric with Waterproof Glue

Shoes, clothing, tents and sleeping bags were originally used to cover the fabric with waterproof glue in order to achieve waterproof and windproof purposes. The products made of this material and technology can withstand certain water pressure, but will not be breathable, and there is no air permeability. Compared with waterproof and breathable membrane, breathability and waterproofness of the fabric with waterproof glue are far worse. 

Second Generation: TPU film

TPU film is a material with good water pressure resistance. The product fabric is combined with it to achieve better waterproof stability. The product may have some moisture permeability, but the effect is not ideal.

Third Generation: PU Film

PU film, developed on the basis of TPU film, has better air permeability, moisture permeability and water pressure resistance than TPU film. It is a waterproof and breathable membrane to replace TPU membrane.

Fourth Generation: Breathable Waterproof Material - PTFE

PTFE, people also call it polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, is the latest generation of breathable waterproof material. The world's first-class factories have adopted this material, combined with their respective company's research and development compound processing technology to develop PTFE composite fabrics of different brands with their own specialties, and their waterproof and breathable properties are the best today.