Technical Overview: Waterproof Breathable Membrane Material

1. Introduction

Waterproof Breathable Membrane Material is an advanced engineered material designed to provide high-level water resistance while maintaining excellent vapor permeability. This combination of properties ensures protection against liquid ingress without compromising comfort or breathability, making it ideal for outdoor apparel, footwear, protective gear, medical equipment, and industrial applications.

The membranes are manufactured using PU, TPU, or EPTFE technologies, providing high durability, flexibility, and thermal stability. Depending on the model, these membranes can withstand temperatures ranging from -50℃ to 250℃, supporting a broad spectrum of technical applications.

Waterproof Breathable Membrane Material

2. Material Structure and Mechanism

EPTFE Membrane

Composed of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene with microporous structures.
Pore size allows water vapor molecules to pass while blocking liquid water.
Achieves high breathability (up to 5000 ml/cm²/min at 7kPa) with IP65–IP68 protection.

PU/TPU Membranes

Thermoplastic polymer layers laminated on fabric substrates.
Hydrophilic PU enables moisture transport via molecular diffusion.
Durable, flexible, and suitable for large-area industrial applications.

Functional Mechanism

Waterproofing: Liquid water is repelled by the membrane’s surface tension and hydrophobic properties.
Breathability: Water vapor generated by the human body or internal processes diffuses through the membrane pores or hydrophilic layer.
Thermal & Mechanical Stability: Maintains integrity under high and low temperatures, and resists mechanical stress during use.

3. Technical Specifications

Model	Protection Level	Air Permeability	Thickness (mm)	Temp Range	Color
PUW878W	IP65	4000–5000 ml/cm²/min	0.13±0.03	-50℃~100℃	White
PUW316	IP66	3700–5000 ml/cm²/min	0.20±0.03	-50℃~130℃	White
PUW302W	IP68	2900–3400 ml/cm²/min	0.02±0.01	-50℃~250℃	White
PUW310G	IP68	100–350 ml/cm²/min	0.20±0.03	-50℃~250℃	Dark Grey

Air Permeability: Critical for comfort, measured in ml/cm²/min at 7kPa.
IP Rating: Determines liquid water protection level; IP65–IP68 suitable for outdoor and industrial use.
Thickness: Varies 0.02–0.30 mm depending on mechanical and thermal requirements.

4. Performance Advantages

High Durability

Resistant to abrasion, chemical exposure, and mechanical deformation.
Long-term stability in harsh outdoor, industrial, and medical environments.

Wide Environmental Adaptability

Suitable for extreme temperatures (-50℃ to 250℃).
Retains waterproofing and breathability under varying humidity and temperature conditions.

Customizable Functionalities

Membrane thickness, color, air permeability, and protection level can be tailored.
Modular design allows integration into clothing, footwear, industrial covers, and medical protective equipment.

Low Maintenance

Easy to clean with damp cloth.
Resistant to corrosion and UV degradation, reducing replacement cycles.

5. Applications in Technology and Industry

Outdoor & Sports Gear: Waterproof jackets, hiking boots, gloves, and technical clothing requiring both comfort and high-performance protection.
Medical Protective Equipment: Surgical gowns, drapes, and covers where breathability and sterilization resistance are required.
Industrial Protection: Covers and membranes for sensitive machinery, electronics, and chemical environments where moisture penetration can compromise performance.
Custom Engineering Solutions: Tailored membranes for aerospace, automotive, or high-end technical applications.

6. Quality Standards and Certification

Compliant with ISO 14001 environmental standards and RoHS for sustainable materials.
IP65–IP68 ratings verified through standardized testing.
Laboratory-tested for thermal stability, mechanical strength, and long-term waterproofing.

7. Selection Guidelines

Determine the required IP protection level (e.g., IP65 for light outdoor use, IP68 for submersion or industrial exposure).
Evaluate air permeability for comfort versus waterproofing balance.
Select suitable material type (ePTFE, PU, TPU) based on flexibility, temperature range, and mechanical stress.
Consider customization needs for thickness, color, or membrane integration into specific products.

Waterproof Breathable Membrane Materials combine advanced engineering with practical performance. By maintaining high water resistance, excellent breathability, and strong mechanical durability, they provide reliable protection across a wide spectrum of applications, from outdoor gear to industrial machinery and medical equipment. Their versatility, customizable specifications, and compliance with international standards make them an essential solution for modern technical applications.