Review of Waterproof Breathable Membranes: Preparation, Performance and Applications in the Textile Field

Abstract

Waterproof breathable membranes (WBMs) characterized by a specific internal structure, allowing air and water vapor to be transferred from one side to the other while preventing liquid water penetration, have attracted much attention from researchers. WBMs combine lamination and other technologies with textile materials to form waterproof breathable fabrics, which play a key role in outdoor sports clothing, medical clothing, military clothing, etc. Herein, a systematic overview of the recent progress of WBMs is provided, including the principles of waterproofness and breathability, common preparation methods and the applications of WBMs. Discussion starts with the waterproof and breathable mechanisms of two different membranes: hydrophilic non-porous membranes and hydrophobic microporous membranes. Then evaluation criteria and common preparation methods for WBMs are presented. In addition, treatment processes that promote water vapor transmission and prominent applications in the textile field are comprehensively analyzed. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of WBMs are also explored.

Progress in the Preparation and Application of Breathable Membranes

“…Breathable membranes can be produced through various strategies, such as blown film extrusion [ 30 ], cast film extrusion [ 31 ], phase separation [ 32 , 33 ], electrospinning [ 28 ], melt extrusion [ 5 ], and water droplet templating [ 34 ], depending on the material types and intended uses. Each fabrication technique plays a crucial role in determining the structure, functionality, and application of breathable membranes, influencing the membranes’ properties and performance significantly.…”

“…Breathable membranes can be produced through various strategies, such as blown film extrusion [30], cast film extrusion [31], phase separation [32,33], electrospinning [28], melt extrusion [5], and water droplet templating [34], depending on the material types Figure 1. The recent advances of breathable membranes in medical [8], electronics [10], textile [12], packaging [14], energy [18], and environmental fields [21].…”

“…As membranes with microporous structures, breathable membranes [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ] effectively regulate the passage of gas and water vapors. They block larger particles and water, offering the benefits of breathability and waterproofing, which has a wide range of applications, including medical [ 6 , 7 , 8 ], electronics [ 9 , 10 ], textile [ 11 , 12 , 13 ], packaging [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ], energy [ 18 , 19 , 20 ], and environmental [ 21 , 22 ].…”

Advancements in Textile Roofing Solutions for Challenging Weather Conditions

“…Membrane materials vary and can be changed to meet design requirements [12]. They have different physical and aesthetic properties for reuse [13]. Composed of different materials and layers, textile membranes offer different weights, densities, and strengths as needed.…”

Fabrication of Waterborne Silicone-Modified Polyurethane Nanofibers for Nonfluorine Elastic Waterproof and Breathable Membranes

“…Waterproof and breathable membranes (WBMs) are a class of functional materials with the ability to prevent the penetration of liquid water and allow air and water vapor to pass through and have a wide range of applications and market demand in a variety of fields, such as outdoor apparel, medical protection, oil and water separation, and smart wearables [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. WBMs can be classified as hydrophilic nonporous membranes and hydrophobic porous membranes according to their working principle [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Hydrophilic nonporous membranes show excellent waterproofness due to their non-porous structure.…”