Performance and Applications of PTFE Composite Fabrics

EPTFE membrane composite fabric performance

PTFE composite waterproof fabric is a functional fabric that combines PTFE film on the surface of ordinary fabric through lamination process, which has the functions of waterproof, breathable, windproof and warm-keeping. Its unique properties are:

Waterproof performance

Waterproof performance refers to the water on the outside of the fabric not penetrating through the fabric and soaking into the inside. PTFE laminated waterproof fabric remains waterproof even under 80lb/m2 pressure. Wearing clothing made of this fabric, even standing in a heavy rainstorm or sitting on a wet surface, people will not feel damp. The fabric has such a magical function mainly because the micropore diameter of the main PTFE membrane of the fabric is 1/5000-1/20000 of the diameter of water droplets, so even the smallest raindrops cannot pass through. The low surface energy of PTFE prevents water droplets from spreading on the thin film and stops them from passing through.

Breathability

The porosity of PTFE film is as high as 80%, with an average pore size of 0.2μm, which is 700 times larger than the diameter of water vapor molecules, allowing water vapor molecules to pass through freely.

Nuclear and biochemical protection performance

PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene film has small pore size, which prevents the penetration of certain toxic gases or aerosols and low surface energy prevents the penetration of certain toxic liquids. Coating the side of the film with a material that has a high water vapor flux and no pores can achieve selective permeation of water vapor, achieving complete protection. PTFE composite fabric processed nuclear and biochemical protective clothing has multiple functions such as waterproof, breathable, windproof, and nuclear and biochemical protection.

Application of EPTFE membrane composite fabric

Warm and breathable underwear

Traditional warm underwear is made of polyethylene or polypropylene film combined with batting, and such films are completely airtight, preventing the sweat from the body from being expelled. The laminated fabric of PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene film's knitted fabric and non-woven fabric can be used for warm underwear, which has the advantages of breathability, windproof, and warmth.

All-weather sportswear

PTFE composite fabric has functions such as waterproof, breathable, and windproof, greatly enhancing the comfort and functionality of sportswear.

Special clothing

It is used for medical staff uniforms and can effectively isolate bacteria and viruses. When combined with flame-retardant fabrics, it can be used to make flame-retardant clothing.

Shoe materials

The fabric or other porous outer layer material is bonded with PTFE film while maintaining its microporous structure, and labor protection shoes can be produced to achieve the effect of waterproof and breathable. Through standard testing, it has been found that the breathability of this shoe upper is eight to ten times that of conventional coated waterproof shoe uppers. This shoe upper can also be made with different fabrics, structures, colors, etc. It can provide the following functions for shoes: waterproof, breathable, windproof, particle barrier, and antimicrobial. In addition, the lining composed of PTFE film can be bonded with leather to make beautiful waterproof leather shoes (boots). Therefore, PTFE footwear film composite fabric can be widely used in military shoes, civilian shoes, fashion shoes, and many other fields. At the current stage, most of the labor protection shoes do not use PTFE film bonding, and they have the disadvantage of being non-porous, which is very uncomfortable to wear on the feet. Therefore, to solve this problem, a porous outer layer material can be bonded with PTFE film.