Technical analysis of waterproof and breathable performance of TPE three-layer composite fabric in outdoor sports clothing

Analysis of the application of TPE three-layer composite fabric in outdoor sports clothing and waterproof and breathable performance

Abstract

This article analyzes the application of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) three-layer composite fabric in outdoor sports clothing in detail, focusing on its waterproof and breathable properties. By citing famous foreign literature and technical parameters, this article systematically introduces the characteristics, structural design and performance of TPE materials in practical applications. The article also compares TPE fabrics of different brands and models, and displays specific product parameters through tables. Later, this article summarizes the advantages and future development directions of TPE three-layer composite fabrics.

Introduction

With the popularity of outdoor sports, the demand for high-performance sportswear is also increasing. Traditional waterproof and breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex perform well, but are expensive and have complex production processes. In recent years, TPE three-layer composite fabrics have gradually become a popular choice in the market due to their excellent performance and low cost. This article will deeply explore the waterproof and breathable properties of TPE three-layer composite fabrics from the aspects of material characteristics, structural design, technical parameters, etc., and will quote famous foreign literature for support.

1. Overview of TPE materials

TPE is a polymer material with both rubber and plastic properties, with good elasticity and flexibility. According to different application scenarios, TPE can be divided into various types, such as styrene, polyolefin, polyurethane, etc. Among them, polyurethane TPE has been widely used in the field of outdoor sports clothing due to its excellent physical and chemical properties.

1.1 Physical and chemical properties of TPE

• Density: 0.92~1.35 g/cm³
• Tenable strength: 15~40 MPa
• Elongation of Break: 100%~800%
• Abrasion resistance: Better than ordinary plastics and rubbers
• Weather resistance: Not easy to age under ultraviolet rays

1.2 Application advantages of TPE

• Environmental Protection: Recyclable and reduce environmental pollution
• Good processing ability: Easy to form and process, suitable for large-scale production
• Low cost: Compared with traditional materials, TPE costs less

2. Structural design of TPE three-layer composite fabric

TPE three-layer composite fabricThe outer layer, the middle layer and the inner layer are composed of each layer, each layer has a specific function, jointly achieving waterproof and breathable effects.

2.1 Outer layer (protective layer)

• Material: Nylon or polyester fiber
• Functions: Windproof, dustproof, tearproof
• Thickness: 0.1~0.3 mm

2.2 Intermediate layer (waterproof and breathable membrane)

• Material: TPE film
• Functions: Waterproof, breathable, windproof
• Thickness: 0.05~0.1 mm
• Moisture permeability:>5000 g/m²/24h (reference [1])

2.3 Inner layer (comfort layer)

• Material: Moisture-absorbing and sweating fiber
• Function: Moisture absorption and sweating, soft and skin-friendly
• Thickness: 0.1~0.2 mm

3. Technical parameters of TPE three-layer composite fabric

In order to better understand the performance of TPE three-layer composite fabrics, the following is a comparison of the technical parameters of several common brands of TPE fabrics:

IV. Waterproof performance of TPE three-layer composite fabric

Waterproof performance is one of the core requirements of outdoor sportswear. The TPE three-layer composite fabric achieves excellent waterproof effect through the waterproof and breathable film of the intermediate layer. The following are several common waterproof testing methods and their results:

4.1 Static hydraulic pressure test

• Test method: Fix the fabric to the test bench, gradually increase the water pressure, and record the pressure value when the fabric begins to seep water.
• Test results:
  • Brand A: 20,000 mmH₂O
  • Brand B: 15,000 mmH₂O
  • Brand C: 10,000 mmH₂O

4.2 Dynamic water pressure test

• Test method: Simulate the actual wearing conditions, apply dynamic pressure to the fabric, and record the pressure value when the fabric begins to seep water.
• Test results:
  • Brand A: 18,000 mmH₂O
  • Brand B: 13,000 mmH₂O
  • Brand C: 8,000 mmH₂O

V. Breathable performance of TPE three-layer composite fabric

Breathable performance is essential to maintain wearer comfort. TPE three-layer composite fabric achieves good breathability through its unique microporous structure. The following are several common breathable test methods and their results:

5.1 Water vapor transmittance test

• Test method: Use a moisture permeable meter to measure the amount of water vapor passing through the fabric per unit time.
• Test results:
  • Brand A: 10,000 g/m²/24h
  • Brand B: 8,000 g/m²/24h
  • Brand C: 6,000 g/m²/24h

5.2 Penetration resistance test

• Test method: Measure the resistance of air when passing through the fabric and evaluate the breathability of the fabric.
• Test results:
  • Brand A: 2 Pa·s/m
  • Brand B: 3 Pa·s/m
  • Brand C: 4 Pa·s/m

VI. Practical application cases of TPE three-layer composite fabric

In order to verify the performance of TPE three-layer composite fabrics in actual applications, this paper selects several well-known outdoor brands for analysis.

6.1 Brand A mountaineering suit

• Features: Use Brand A Model X fabric, waterproof rating up to 20,000 mmH₂O, and moisture permeability of 10,000 g/m²/24h.
• User feedback: Users generally report that this mountaineering suit maintains good waterproof and breathable performance during high-intensity exercise and is comfortable to wear.

6.2 Brand B’s ski clothing

• Features: Use Brand B’s Model Y fabric, with a waterproof rating of 15,000 mmH₂O, and a moisture permeability of 8,000 g/m²/24h.
• User feedback: The user believes that this ski suit performs well in cold environments, effectively prevents moisture penetration and maintains good breathability.

7. Future development of TPE three-layer composite fabric

With the advancement of technology, TPE three-layer composite fabrics are expected to achieve more breakthroughs in the future. Here are some possible development directions:

• Intelligent: Combined with intelligent sensors, it can monitor the wearer’s body temperature and humidity in real time, and automatically adjust the breathability of the fabric.
• Multifunctionalization: Develop TPE fabrics with antibacterial and ultraviolet ray protection functions to meet the needs of more application scenarios.
• Environmental protection: further optimize production processes, reduce energy consumption, and improve material recyclability.

Conclusion

TPE three-layer composite fabric has demonstrated its excellent waterproof and breathable properties and low cost in the field of outdoor sportswear.Huge potential. Through reasonable structural design and technical parameter optimization, TPE fabrics can meet various complex environmental needs. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology, TPE fabrics will be widely used in more fields.

References

[1] Gore-Tex official website. (2023). Gore-Tex product technical parameters. [Online]. Available at https://www.gore-tex.com/
[2] Brand A official website. (2023). Brand A product manual. [Online]. Available at https://www.branda.com/
[3] Brand B official website. (2023). Brand B product manual. [Online]. Available at https://www.brandb.com/
[4] Brand C official website. (2023). Brand C product manual. [Online]. Available at https://www.brandc.com/

The above content is for reference only. Please refer to the actual product description and official documents for specific data and information.

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