A Review on Designing the Waterproof Breathable Fabrics Part I: Fundamental Principles and Designing Aspects of Breathable Fabrics

Abstract

This paper describes basic principles and techniques involved in designing waterproof breathability fabrics. Breathable fabrics are available in a large variety, which can be categorized as — closely woven fabrics, microporous membranes and coating, hydrophilic membranes and coating, combination of microporous and hydrophilic membranes and coating, use of retroreflective microbeads, smart breathable fabrics and fabric based on biomimetics. Basic principles and mechanisms of water vapor transmission solely depend on the type of breathable fabrics. The formulation and application of microporous and hydrophilic membranes and coatings have been well researched in different fields of application. Smart breathable fabric and fabric based on biomimetics, which are of recent origin, are also showing their potential. The technology is continuously evolving in the areas of a cost-effective manufacturing process, improving material formulation to enhance the film's properties, and controlling pore sizes and their distributions, developing improved monolithic film and coating materials for a variety of applications. Method of incorporation of membrane, coating techniques, fabric substrate, lining material and above all the garment construction are also undergoing changes and play vital role in designing breathable garments.

Polyester Microfilament Woven Fabrics

“…So, closely woven fabrics are constructed from microfilament yarn which results in small size of gaps to give maximum protection against wind and rain. The use of microfibers ensures that gaps in the fabric are very small even when dry (Mukhopadhyay & Midha, 2008;East, 2005). Moreover, the fabric and fiber surface is enlarged; therefore moisture is transported via more channels, since a better capillary effect is achieved (Rupp & Yonenaga, 2000).…”

“…Moreover, the fabric and fiber surface is enlarged; therefore moisture is transported via more channels, since a better capillary effect is achieved (Rupp & Yonenaga, 2000). This type of weaving results in a windproof fabric with an excellent water vapor permeability compared with laminates and coatings (Mukhopadhyay & Midha, 2008).…”

Protective Clothing Based on Electrospun Nanofibrous Membranes

“…Fibers may be electrospun directly onto three-dimensional forms on cloth surface, so that the thickness of the electrospun fibrous web could be varied at numerous locations as needed, making "zoned" materials in protective clothing. This direct application of electrospun nanofibers to the clothing systems would reduce the costly manufacturing steps and resolve seam-sealing problems [13,14].…”

“…One peculiar feature of electrospun webs for protective clothing use could be the direct application of electrospun webs to the garment systems [13]. Fibers may be electrospun directly onto three-dimensional forms on cloth surface, so that the thickness of the electrospun fibrous web could be varied at numerous locations as needed, making "zoned" materials in protective clothing.…”

Electrical properties of flat textile material as inhomegeneous and anisotropic structure

“…Modern textiles are used for the production of sportswear of high moisture repelling and regulating properties [1,2], in life parameter monitoring systems [3,4], as well as in electrotherapy, e.g. as textile electrodes [5][6][7].…”