Modern manufacturers, possessing innovative technologies, are able to offer the latest developments in membrane materials that are used in a wide variety of areas of human activity. What is membrane clothing? This is a high-tech material, which, due to its qualities, is used for sewing sports, casual and outdoor clothing. The clothing industry offers clothes not only for adults, but also for children.

The main trends in the development of the modern economy include the improvement of product quality. This is achieved through the introduction of innovative methods in production. Today, clothing made of fabric with a membrane coating is very popular. The range of products made from this material is very large.

It is made from:

• Membrane clothing and footwear for people involved in active sports, tourism;
• Special clothing for firefighters and medical workers;
• Uniform for military personnel and kits for winter fishing.

Membrane material appeared relatively recently. Over the past 10 years, he has gained worldwide fame. Items made from this material must meet the requirements: to show protective properties during the period of atmospheric influences and to provide a comfortable feeling in the underwear space. In case of heavy load, the material is able to remove excess moisture and heat. To obtain a fabric with a thickness of 10-30 microns, extrusion methods, coagulation or thermal biaxial stretching are used.

To connect the membrane to the fabric, polyurethane is used for adhesion, which is coated with an atmospheric-active film. It passes along with the web through the pressure rollers of the calender, which allows the two materials to be glued together.

When designing and creating professional membrane clothing for children and adults in winter, designers try to cope with a multifaceted and complex task, to combine all the characteristics of the material in the product:

• Aesthetic appearance;
• Comfort fit;
• Insertion of reflective elements with optical recognition into children's membrane clothing;
• Clothing for tourism made of membrane material should have a long service life;
• High-quality atmospheric laminates can affect the membrane, which, in turn, affects the comfortable well-being of people in the winter.

How to distinguish the material? Winter clothing has common key indicators:

1. Water resistance - this indicator is characterized by the height of the water level and the ability of the membrane to withstand it without letting it inside. Moisture content measurement is calculated in millimeters or other units such as PSI (POUND PER SGUARE INCH). This measurement means weight in pounds per inch². Studies have shown that if the material has a PSI value of more than 25 units, then the product will be waterproof. With a material index of 1-24 PSI, it is considered that the product has a low resistance to moisture. But this indicator is enough for people who are not involved in extreme sports. Therefore, there is no need to overpay for extra layers of clothing. All layers must be glued so that moisture does not penetrate through them into the product. If the label says "all seams are sealed" ─ this means that the seams of the suit for the winter are completely taped. And if there is an inscription “critical seam sealing” on the label, it means that only the main seams are glued in the kit, and in heavy rain the product may get wet over time;
2. Moisture permeability - if the definition of this characteristic is theoretically clear, then the digital indicators do not say anything to many consumers. This can be used by an unscrupulous manufacturer. He sometimes indicates indicators of clothing for children made of membrane material, which absolutely do not correspond to the technical characteristics of the material, which leads to disastrous results during testing.

Testing is based on measuring the amount of liquid in grams that can evaporate per day in m² (g / m² / 24 h) ─ this is the MVTR indicator moisture vapor transmission rate ─ moisture vapor transmission rate. These tests are carried out by special laboratories. The main thing that consumers should remember is that the MVTR B2 marking for the test is considered universal. The membrane is a fragile and thin material. The sheet version is applied to the final product. If the membrane is applied in liquid form, then it is applied to the base material and forms a membrane coating, which received the second name ─ laminate.

The main types of membrane material:

• 2l - two-layer view is marked with the value 2L. The sheet material is applied to the fabric. In a two-layer product, the advantage is economical weight, high moisture permeability. The product is duplicated by an inner lining, which is made of mesh. You can use two-layer clothing during sports, as well as for everyday use;
• 5l - two and a half layers. It consists of two layers, between which there is an additional protective layer of non-woven material. Ski clothing made from this brand of material is light and compact. The membrane is protected by the outer layer, on which there are rubber "pimples" with a diameter of less than 1 mm. The membrane does not come into contact with clothing and protects it from various damages. This does not prevent the product from retaining all the properties of the three-layer Gore-Tex material and gaining weight. For example, Millet's Paclite jacket weighs only 470g;
• 3l - three-layer type. In this design, the membrane is protected by fabric on both sides. All products are highly durable. It can be used for sports and special kits designed for use in extreme conditions.

clothing features

Clothing made of the membrane does not get wet, reliably protects against gusty winds, cold weather, perfectly “breathes”, thereby creating comfortable conditions for wearing.

For children

An excellent option for outerwear in the cold season is membrane children's clothing. When the baby takes his first steps in winter, he is not very comfortable walking in bulky fur overalls. Heavy sets hamper movement, so they try to buy light, functional, comfortable membrane winter clothes for children. High-quality outerwear can be combined with properly selected underwear, which can provide the baby with comfortable, warm and dry wearing in any bad weather ─ snowy winter down to -20 ° C or rainy autumn day. In addition, the membrane fabric is endowed with dirt-repellent qualities. Almost all children's clothing is different:

• wear resistance;
• Persistent colors;
• Decor with reflective inserts.

For the above properties, there is a corresponding marking on the label. For example, an indicator of 3000-15000 mm of water column indicates the intensity of rain, at which the coating will begin to let moisture through. Laboratory studies show that with an indicator of 4 thousand mm of water, children's things do not let moisture through and the child always remains warm and dry.

Brands that produce membrane clothing and shoes for children:

• Reima - for its products, the company uses high quality insulation that provides warmth in severe frosts. Parents from the whole variety of styles and colors can choose the best design for their baby;
• Ketch is a newly created Swedish company that has already become popular in the market. Buyers claim that under the clothes of this company there is no need to wear other warm clothes;
• Gore-Tex is an American company that has developed durable, breathable footwear. If the label says "Gore-Tex", parents can be confident in the quality of the product;
• Sumpa Tex - a German company introduced footwear products without membrane pores. In this model range, moisture is removed from the warm side of the membrane material to the cold side. She is not afraid of dirt, and reagents do not spoil the appearance of the product.

Top sellers of children's membrane clothing:

• Winter set Reima 513100-4901 Misteli is a model for a girl with a comfortable design. The set consists of a jacket and semi-overalls. It has a waterproof and non-breathable fabric with a dirt-repellent impregnation. The presence of fluffy Comfort + insulation with high elasticity, gives the product volume. The price of the model is 6 thousand rubles;
• Winter jacket for girls Sisarus Reimatec 531300-4190 - a combination of design, quality and practicality will appeal to parents and children. The material is breathable, the hood is removable, the material is dirt-repellent. The price of the model is 8038 rubles;
• Ricosta shoes - a German manufacturer uses only natural and high-tech materials for children's shoes. The price of the model is 2850 rubles;
• Boots Kotofey 454968-42 - the model is decorated with snowflakes, has two Velcro fasteners. Phylon material is used for the sole. Fur serves as an internal insulation. The price of the model is 2500 rubles;
• Ketch set (art. 090254-090255) - the model consists of a jacket and overalls. Designed for t from + 6˚ to - 28˚С. The price of the kit is up to 4000 rubles.

For adults

Today, membrane clothing for women and men is used not only for hiking, outdoor activities and skiing in ski resorts. You can wear it in ordinary city life. Products allow you not to freeze at a temperature of -15-20˚С and not to sweat in a warm, closed room. Material properties will be respected in case of multi-layering.

Do not wear clothes that absorb moisture or that do not “breathe” well. Since 1959, the American company W. L. Gore & Associates began experimenting with polytetrafluoroethylene for the manufacture of this material, and only in 1976 was a fabric with a water-repellent, windproof, "breathable" effect created.

When creating membrane clothing for hunting, manufacturers use modern fabric, in which there are a large number of micro-holes - up to 1.4 million pieces are located per 1 cm². This porous layer is located between the upper and inner layers. This design is used not only for clothes, but also for adult shoes. The holes are 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water. Moisture is expelled through them in the form of steam. You can winter in membrane clothing, it is lightweight and folds compactly.

Companies that manufacture membrane suits:

• Norfin - membrane suits of the Latvian company, light, comfortable, have high water resistance. Warmer for fishing, no clothes for hunting. In the hunting collection, the cost of products reaches $ 300-400;
• Red Fox - a well-known Russian manufacturer has gained popularity in the market due to its quality and affordable prices;
• Dupont - an American manufacturer has not yet become widely known among outerwear manufacturers, but is proud of its underwear products ─ unique socks that not only save heat, "breathe", but also do not let moisture in from the outside. The price of these socks is $25. Use wearable membrane clothing for hunting.

Consider some models of adult membrane clothing:

• Norfin Extreme 2 XXL (309105-XXL) - the model is designed for fishermen, as well as lovers of new technologies use membrane clothing for hunters. Which withstands frost at -32˚С. The straps in the model are adjustable, the waist is tightened with a latch, the knee pads consist of additional soft inserts, a zipper is inserted on the bottom of the semi-overalls. Price 5500 rubles;
• Pea jacket Atax - the model is designed for climbers. The base consists of a double synthetic winterizer with two chest pockets and other additional elements that distribute the necessary load. The membrane coating has a pixel atax color. The knitted collar has a windproof placket. The average price is from 2700 rubles;
• Neve Astra - women's and men's trousers made of Evapora membrane fabric. They are waterproof and keep out the cold. Adjustable throughout the length of the trousers. All seams are taped and have pockets with zippers. The average price is from 2500 rubles;
• Norfin Scandic suit - the model belongs to rain suits. Able to provide a comfortable stay in various weather conditions. The product has many pockets, the bottom of the jacket is pulled together, has a mesh lining and other additional elements. Price 9500 rubles;
• Jacket Armani Women Jacket 281408 - this model is designed for women who go in for skiing. It is windproof and waterproof. Additional high-quality, insulated elements with knitted cuffs allow you to feel comfortable. The price of the jacket is from 39 thousand rubles.

Choice by season

Modern membrane products will help protect against frost or strong winds. In order for clothes to be comfortable and please with warmth, you need to make the right choice. Whatever season clothes are purchased for, you need to consider some rules:

1. It is important to pay attention to product design. The cut should be comfortable and fit the size grid;
2. Winter sets are bought a little loose so that they do not hinder movement and better retain heat;
3. Pay attention to the quality of the seams. It is necessary to exclude uneven lines, raw cuts, protruding threads. This indicates a low quality and a bad reputation of the manufacturer;
4. When choosing winter or demi-season clothing, experts recommend purchasing a 2.5-layer membrane. Since 2-layer is considered short-lived, 3-layer has a significant weight, which will make it difficult for both adults and children to move.

How to wear membrane clothing so that it works correctly, pleases not only with its functionality, but also with its aesthetic appearance? The main thing in operation is layering:

• The first layer is underwear;
• The second layer is insulation;
• The third layer is outerwear (jacket, pants, overalls).

It is undesirable to wear all things made of natural materials, as they tend to absorb moisture. And you need to remember: the membrane works only during the period of active human activity.

In spring and autumn, it is advisable to use thermal underwear. And at -5˚ you need to warm up by wearing a woolen or fleece suit.

Additional functions

• Additional ventilation. Membrane clothing for men has good vapor permeability, but no consumer will refuse additional ventilation of the suit. It can be represented by the presence of "pit-zips" of lightning. Additional ventilation takes place in membrane clothing for hunting in places where there is no direct rain. It can be a zipper that is inserted into the inside of the sleeve, passing through the armpit and down the side seam. And in trousers, the zipper is inserted into the inner side of the thigh. If the temperature rises, it can be unfastened. The entire thermoregulation of the entire membrane structure depends on the length of the zipper;
• Mesh lined pockets. In some models, manufacturers use pockets based on a mesh lining. It provides additional ventilation;
• Self-dumping trousers. This function is found in tourist, mountaineering, skitouring / freeride equipment. The model has excellent ventilation. And the design itself has the property of quickly putting on or removing an extra layer, focusing on the weather, without removing shoes;
• Additional processing. By treating the material with a liquid with fluorine, a protective film is formed on the structure, which repels moisture, but allows air to pass through. The fabric is not afraid of external pollution and ultraviolet;
• Fleece or soft inserts. Eliminate the contact of the membrane with the human body, increase its durability;
• Visor made of flexible material. The element covers the face in windy, rainy weather or during snowfall;
• Snow skirt. Additional protection piece for severe cold weather, used for climbing and other activities.

Photo

The word "membrane" is of ancient origin and means "membrane". In ancient times, it was used in the ordinary and biological sense. As science developed, the term acquired a physical, chemical, technical meaning. Now membrane technologies are used in the light industry for the production of clothing.
One of the main functions of clothing is protective. The introduction of membranes into the composition of protective fabrics allows you to remove water vapor, while preventing moisture, wind, rain, snow from getting inside.

Membrane fabric: types, properties

A membrane is a water-repellent and windproof coating that is able to pass water vapor through it. Membrane only makes up the top layer of winter clothing, so the bottom layer stays dry. In such clothes, the skin will be able to breathe, and sweat will simply be brought out.

Working principle of non-porous membrane: wet vapors enter the tissue, then a diffusion process occurs, they smoothly move to the outer layer. It will last quite a long time, and special care is not required. Sometimes it may seem that, for example, a winter suit made of a non-porous membrane gets wet, but this is an illusion, these are just the evaporation described above.

Advantage non-porous membranes: very durable, do not require careful maintenance, work properly in a wide temperature range. Such membranes are usually used in top products of well-known sportswear manufacturers.

Flaws non-porous membranes: at first it may seem that the products get wet, but these are just the same fumes that accumulate on the inside of the product. i.e. they begin to “breathe” more slowly, but expensive non-porous membranes sometimes surpass porous ones in terms of breathability.

Pore ​​membrane coating — these are membranes that work according to the following principle: water drops that fall on the membrane tissue from the outside cannot pass through the pores of the membrane inside, since these pores are too small. Vapor molecules formed when a person sweats are freely expelled from the inside of the membrane tissue through the pores of the membrane. As a result, we get the waterproofness of the membrane fabric on the outside of the product and the breathable (steam-removing) properties from the inside of the product.

Advantage pore membranes: they quickly begin to “breathe”, i.e. they release vapors as soon as the body begins to sweat (provided that there is a difference in the partial pressures of water vapor inside and outside the jacket. i.e. when there is a driving force) .

Flawspore membranes: these membranes are quite delicate and quickly deteriorate, i.e. lose their basic properties. The pores of the membrane are clogged, which greatly reduces the breathing properties. If washed incorrectly, the membrane item may lose its properties.

Combined membrane fabricbelongs to the category of high-tech fabrics, two types of coating are used (porous and non-porous). Such a fabric has no drawbacks, since its composition combines several types of coating.

Combined Combined jacket fabrics: on the inside, the top material is covered with a porous membrane, on top of it there is another coating: a polyurethane non-porous film. This fabric combines all the advantages of non-porous and porous membranes, while avoiding their disadvantages, it is definitely "two in one". At the same time, you have to pay dearly for high technology. For this reason, firms rarely use this material in products.Membrane combination is the most high-tech and expensive fabric.

Membrane fabrics are also divided according to the type of construction: two, two and a half, three layers.

Double layer membrane fabrics

A two-layer fabric is a fabric from which things are made, having previously applied a membrane film on it from the wrong side. So that the membrane, which is located on the wrong side of the product, does not become clogged and not damaged, there is always a lining on such things that protects it from harmful effects.

Two-and-a-half layer membrane fabric

The 2-and-a-half layer membrane fabric is the perfect solution for those who want to keep the weight of their pack to a minimum. Such things are made of two-layer fabric, but instead of lining or knitted mesh, knitted pimples protect the membrane, which significantly reduce the weight of the garment.

Three-layer membranes

The three-layer fabric from the inside resembles a fabric with a fine mesh, and this is not at all surprising, because the three-layer fabric is three elements (product fabric + membrane + knitted mesh), which are connected together by lamination. In this case, the mesh acts as a lining, that is, it protects the membrane from damage and contamination. Accordingly, the lining is no longer needed, which significantly reduces the weight and volume of products made of a three-layer membrane, while their functionality is not affected in any way.

Water resistance is measured in millimeters of water column and determines how much water pressure a material can withstand without leakage. Membranes with a water resistance of 7,000 mm or more are impervious to rain of any strength. However, most high-end membranes have a water resistance of 15, 20 and even 40 thousand mm.

This is due not only to the pursuit of manufacturers for big numbers. By trying to guarantee the watertightness of their materials, manufacturers eliminate any risk of leakage even when their products are used intensively in extreme conditions.

The vast majority of modern membranes, even inexpensive ones, are really impervious to rain of any strength. Therefore, it is not worth focusing on this parameter and chasing very high water resistance, provided that the purchased membrane clothing does not involve use in extreme weather conditions - prolonged rains, hurricane winds, strong temperature changes, etc.

Vapor permeability in millimeters of water column.

The vapor permeability of the membrane is much more important for your comfort.

Vapor permeability determines how quickly moisture will be transported from the human body to the outside. The better the vapor permeability, the less you risk getting wet from the inside from your own sweat and dry faster if this does happen. To evaluate it, two main indicators based on different tests are used:

• MVTR (moisture vapor transmitting rate - “water vapor transfer rate”) - measured in g / m² / 24h, i.e. how many grams of water vapor can pass through a tissue sample on an area of ​​1 m² in 24 hours. The higher the value, the greater the vapor permeability of the material. For the most "breathable" membranes, this figure is greater than or equal to 20,000 g / m² / 24 hours. There are several tests for determining MVTR, however, they only approximate real life membrane performance.

• RET (evaporate resistance) is a testing technique developed and used by Gore-Tex. It determines how strongly the material being tested "resists" the transport of water vapor. Therefore, the lower the RET value, the more breathable the membrane is. The scale is marked from 0 to 30, where 0 is the bare surface of the skin - i.e. nothing prevents the evaporation of moisture, and 30 is a layer of dense polyethylene - i.e. "breathing" properties are completely absent. The most vapor-permeable membranes have an RET index in the range of 1-6.

Unfortunately, the test results do not always correlate with each other - this is due both to the difference in the test methods used, and to frequent violations of testing protocols in various laboratories. Sometimes the same fabric sample shows completely different vapor permeability values ​​in the same test carried out at different test centers.

For this reason, some manufacturers publish only the maximum figures recorded in tests, others publish results on two scales at once - RET and MVTR, others do not indicate vapor permeability values ​​at all, trying to avoid incorrect comparisons with products from other brands. In any case, a sign of "good form" is an indication by the manufacturer of the testing methodology or an explanation of why vapor permeability indicators are not published.

What are taped seams and why are they needed?

DWR

DWR (Durable Water Reppelence)- a coating that does not repel water, preventing it from being absorbed into the product. Instead, water lingers on the surface in the form of small "balls". Such a coating is very useful and functional, but, unfortunately, it is very short-lived. To keep the DWR coating alive, you can use DWR-coated products available at any hardware store. One of the most popular manufacturers of DVR coatings is NIKWAX.

Seams in membrane products are glued so that moisture does not get inside the product, not only through the surface of the fabric, but also through the places where it is sewn. If you pick up a membrane jacket and see the inscription “all seams are sealed” on the tag, this means that you have a product in which all seams are glued, which means they will not let moisture through and keep your body dry. Now let's look at various membrane products and find out which of them, how should be glued. Let's start with clothes made of two-layer membrane fabrics. On them you can find two types of inscriptions:

- "all seams are sealed" (all seams are taped);

- "critical seam sealing" (the main seams are taped).

In the first case, the leakage of the seams is excluded, in the second case it is possible in some places, but not necessarily. Most often, the main seams are glued in urban, outdoor clothing brands, as well as in budget lines.

With clothes made of a three-layer membrane, the situation is different - absolutely all manufacturers agreed that in these high-tech and expensive things, all seams should be taped. Among other things, in such things, the number of seams is reduced to a minimum in order to reduce the weight of the product and increase its mobility. What's more, most 3-layer clothing brands use waterproof dry zippers, which saves weight by eliminating flaps and slats. Zippers are usually protected by a zipp garage device, which is a kind of pocket for a zipper lock, hides it and does not allow moisture to enter through this small hole.

How to wash membrane things?

Most often, a damaged thing made of membrane fabric is precisely your merit. And then we will try to figure out how not to spoil expensive and functional things through ignorance or negligence.

So 10 simple rules on how to wash membrane things without depriving them of water-repellent and breathable properties:

1. Read carefully what is written on the product label!
2. When washing, observe the temperature regime indicated on the label, in no case wash membrane things in hot water!
3. Do not wash the membrane with ordinary powder or detergent.
4. Use for washing only special products for membrane fabrics that do not clog the pores of products.
5. Wash the membrane in water, the temperature of which is not more than 40C.
6. It is advisable to wash products made of membrane fabrics by hand or on a delicate cycle of a washing machine.
7. Use impregnation, it will help you extend the life of the product and maintain its functional features.
8. Use impregnation only on clean things. If the impregnation you use is water-based, it can be applied to the product, regardless of whether it is wet or dry.
9. Choose the impregnation for the membrane from which your clothes are made. Today, manufacturers such as Grangers and Nikwax produce impregnations for various types of membrane fabrics, taking into account their design features.
10. Remember: there is no universal powder for washing membrane fabrics, you need to choose a detergent specifically. Impregnation for shoes or tents is also not suitable for jackets or pants. Such treatment of the membrane will simply destroy it, and if you are going, for example, to climb Mont Blanc, where adverse weather can catch you, you will find yourself absolutely defenseless. Take care of your membrane clothing and it will take care of you!
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Membrane fabric is an innovative material with selective permeability. Possesses the increased protective properties. It is used for the production of children's, sportswear, equipment for fans of active winter recreation, representatives of extreme professions.

Why are membranes needed?

Membrane fabrics: samples

The word "membrane" is of ancient origin and means "membrane". In ancient times, it was used in the ordinary and biological sense. As science developed, the term acquired a physical, chemical, technical meaning. Now membrane technologies are used in the light industry for the production of clothing.

One of the main functions of clothing is protective. Previously, rubber shoes, polyethylene raincoats, capes from others were used to protect against rain. From rain, snow, wind, these materials protected well for some period of time. It is impossible to stay in waterproof products made according to old technologies for a long time.

The human body, on average, releases more than half a liter of moisture per day, which accumulates on clothes from the inside if there is no way out. With active movements, the amount of sweat released can reach one and a half liters.

The introduction of membranes into the composition of protective fabrics allows you to remove water vapor, while preventing moisture, wind, rain, snow from getting inside.

The structure and mechanism of action of membranes

The simplest example of a membrane product is a plastic bag (not to be confused with polyethylene). If, for example, a salted protein solution is poured into a plastic bag and suspended in a container of clean water, then after a while the salt will penetrate through the pores of the cellophane into the water. Cellophane selectively lets small molecules out, retains large ones inside, water molecules from the outside do not seep into the bag.

The principle of action of membrane tissue

The membrane layer in tissues works in a similar way. It lets small molecules out without letting anything in.

Membranes used in light industry are usually divided into porous (containing pores) and non-porous (supposedly not containing pores). The division is conditional, but widespread. It is advisable to use it.

• Membranes with pores are thin polymer layers with very small holes through which gaseous water (steam) molecules can seep from the inside, but drops do not fit there. Recall the course of the school: in a drop, water molecules “stick together” - they are in the form of associated groups. In the vapor state, water molecules are alone, the distance between them does not allow them to unite. The American company Gore-TeX makes membrane fabrics from Teflon, for 1 cm 2 of which there are about one and a half billion micro-holes - pores.
• Membranes without pores act differently. They also contain many microcells with a complex, sinuous shape, reminiscent of the structure of a sponge. The steam from the skin is absorbed into the cells, saturates the membrane, turns into condensed moisture and, due to the difference in partial pressure (this concept is also from school courses), is released to the outside. This principle of separation is possible because there are more vapors inside than outside. If, hypothetically, the wearer of the clothing enters a sauna or other room with very high humidity, the moisture will enter in the same way.

In some materials, different membranes are combined, a layer without pores is laid on the outside, and with pores on the inside. The fabric is effective but expensive.

Comparison of terms of use

• All membrane tissues carry vapors from an area of ​​high pressure to an area of ​​low pressure (according to gradient experts).
• At high humidity, membranes with pores are better able to remove vapors to the outside, especially if there is ventilation on clothing. Non-porous membranes are effective in relatively dry air environments. If humidity is high or ventilation is open, such a membrane will not work well.
• At low temperatures, a membrane with pores works better. At negative temperatures of the material, pore-free membranes simply freeze.
• A porous membrane may become clogged if not properly cared for or worn. Poreless membrane fabrics are durable and last a long time.

Main characteristics

Membrane fabrics are designed to protect against the weather and create a sense of comfort for wearers. Functions justify the importance of key indicators.

• Waterproof. At high pressures of the water column, any tissue will begin to leak. For successful operation, the values ​​of the maximum tolerable impacts are important. Clothing designed for tough conditions must withstand pressures of 20,000 mm of water column and above. A value of 10000 mm is acceptable for normal rainy conditions.
• Vapor permeability characterizes the mass of steam in grams, which can be removed by 1 m 2 of material in a given unit of time (usually 24 hours). The most common minimum vapor permeability is 3000 g/m2, the maximum is from 10000 g/m2. Sometimes this property is measured by the ability to resist steam transport (RET). If this indicator is equal to 0, the fabric completely passes all the steam, with a value of 30, the passage of steam is practically excluded.

The membrane does not perform insulating functions. It saves from rain, wind, snow, provides "breathing" to the body, helps to provide thermal comfort.

Fabric structure

Structurally, membrane fabrics differ in execution.

• In two-layer fabrics, the membrane is fixed on the inside of the fabric. Additionally, it is closed with a lining that protects against damage and clogging.
• In three-layer fabrics, the following are glued together: the outer layer, the membrane, the inner mesh. The need for a lining layer is eliminated. The material is very comfortable, it is more expensive.
• In some modifications, a special protective coating is sprayed on the inner surface of the two-layer fabric.
• There are types of membrane fabrics with a water-repellent layer (DWR) applied on top. The coating may wash off over time. It is easily restored by special means.

Leading manufacturers

Membrane fabric in clothes

The most authoritative, historically the first manufacturer of membrane fabrics is Gore-TeX. She made clothes for astronauts. Then several types of products were offered to skiers, climbers, mountain tourists.

Clothing with Triple-Point, Sympatex, ULTREX membranes is comparable in quality. The material is solid, available in several versions. The price is high, corresponds to the properties of the products.

Products with Ceplex, Fine-Tex membranes have an affordable price. It is designed for a maximum of 2 seasons of active wear, after which the material may begin to let water through a little.

When buying clothes made of membrane fabrics, pay attention to the information about gluing the seams. In some varieties, absolutely all seams are glued, in others - only the main ones. For wearing in the city, gluing the main seams is enough. For active sports, it may be better to choose products with all reinforced seams. The choice is up to the potential wearer.

Rules for the care of membrane tissues

The material is specific in composition and structure. Normal washing methods should not be applied to this group of products.

• You can wash the fabric with a membrane layer in the machine using a gentle mode and soft special products.
• You can't push in the car.
• You can't take it to the dry cleaners.
• Ironing is not necessary, it is not necessary to do this.
• Can be washed by hand if desired.
• You can leave the thing in an arbitrary straightened state so that water flows from it.
• The fabric is very slightly soiled. After wearing, drying, it can be lightly brushed with a regular brush.

Fabrics with membrane materials allow you to feel protected in any bad weather during the most active activities.

The characteristics of clothing for active sports are reminiscent of a Chinese letter. What is "membrane", "fleece" and "gore-tex"? Why do you need thermal underwear? How do "moisture-proof" and breathable properties of things combine? "SE Extreme" reveals the secrets of snow clothing!

Lucky us, modern little men! We snowboard and ski, climb, ecotourize, track and God knows what else, and there are special clothes for all this. These are not only jackets and pants, but also underwear, socks and shoes, the development of which takes into account the characteristics of a particular type of activity. We have at our disposal membranes, and down jackets, and impregnations, and anatomical suspension brackets of backpacks - there is just nothing. In general, everything is fine with us, we even complain sometimes: “I want not a two-layer, but a three-layer jacket, and so that with pockets!”

If you look back and think about how people used to cope with the vagaries of nature, how they walked, got wet in the rain and snow, carrying their wealth in grandfather's style backpacks, it becomes somehow uncomfortable. Although some don't remember, there was nothing but canvas jackets, quilted jackets, sweaters and woolen socks. But, despite all the inconveniences, people always went to the mountains, conquered the peaks, skied. They had one wisdom: the colder it is, the more you need to put on yourself. These were strong people, hardy and unassuming.

But then they got tired of it, and progress began in the production of fabrics suitable for active outdoor use. The development of special materials was in full swing: people began to puzzle over how to make the fabric as light and efficient as possible, so that it would not get wet, not blown, so that it would warm and remove moisture from the body.

Among the first to succeed were Wilbert and Genevieve Gore, who founded the Gore Company (W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.) in 1958. Wilbert (Bill) Gore worked for DuPont for 17 years, but then life took a different path, and that same Gore private enterprise was born. Over the next 12 years, the company has achieved almost worldwide recognition and has taken a leading position in the market. Thus began the history of the clothing membrane.

WHAT IS THE MEMBRANE EATED WITH?

So, let's try to figure out what a membrane (membrane tissue) is and what it is eaten with. Technically, a membrane is something like a film of a special structure, and membrane tissue is a matter in the structure of which this very special film is present. There is a world classification that allows you to divide all membrane tissues into several types.

By structure, the membrane can be non-porous, porous and combined.

Poreless membranes They work according to the following principle: body vapors enter the inner part of the membrane, settle on it and, through active diffusion, quickly move to the outside. The advantage of non-porous membranes is that they are durable, do not require careful maintenance, and work properly in a wide temperature range. Such membranes are usually used in expensive and functional products. What are its shortcomings? At first it may seem that the clothes get wet, but these are just the same fumes that accumulate on the inside of the thing. That is, non-porous membranes begin to breathe more slowly, however, when they “open up”, they sometimes surpass porous ones in terms of breathing properties.

Pore ​​membranes they work according to a different principle: water drops that fall on the membrane tissue from the outside cannot pass through the pores of the membrane inside, since these pores are too small. Accordingly, the outside of the fabric does not get wet.

On the other hand, the vapor molecules formed during the release of sweat are freely removed from the inside of the membrane tissue. As a result, we get the waterproofness of the membrane fabric on the outside of the product and the breathable (steam-removing) properties from the inside. The advantage of pore membranes is that they begin to breathe "quickly": they remove vapors as soon as you start to sweat. What are the disadvantages? This membrane “dies” quite quickly, that is, it loses its properties. In case of improper washing (especially with spinning!) the pores of the membrane are clogged, which greatly reduces the breathing properties - the jacket may begin to “leak”. This disadvantage can manifest itself if you are not a particular fan of taking care of your things.

Membrane combination: The fabric of the upper is covered with a porous membrane on the inside, and on top of the porous membrane there is another coating: a non-porous polyurethane membrane film. This fabric combines all the advantages of porous and non-porous membranes, while avoiding their disadvantages, a kind of "two in one". But high technology comes at a high price. It is for this reason that very few companies use this membrane in their products.

In addition to the above division, there is a difference in the material design itself. By design, membrane tissues are divided into two-layer, three-layer and so-called “two-and-a-half” layers. These words are probably familiar to snowboarders and skiers, as well as people who spend enough time in the mountains.

Double layer fabric- this is a fabric on which a membrane is applied in a special way from the wrong side (usually white, but it can be transparent or with some other dye). In products, this fabric is always used with a lining, because it provides proper protection of the membrane from clogging and mechanical damage.

Three layer fabric looks like a fabric with a fine mesh from the inside. In fact, this is a top fabric plus a membrane, plus a knitted mesh, glued into one structure using a special lamination technology. The knitted mesh on the inside protects the membrane from both mechanical damage and clogging. The most important thing: in three-layer products, the use of a lining disappears - there is only one “rag” in which all three components are assembled. As a result, we have: a mega-light fabric that does not restrict movement, a small volume of the product and maximum functionality. The combination of these excellent qualities explains the high cost of products made of three-layer fabric.

"Two-and-a-half"-layer membrane fabric is a novelty in the market of modern clothes. It doesn’t sound very Russian, but it accurately conveys the meaning of technology. As a rule, this is an ordinary two-layer membrane fabric, covered from the inside with a kind of protective coating (foamed protective coating in the form of pimples, just knitted pimples, etc.), designed to perform the function of the third layer, i.e. membrane protection. Such jackets are as light as possible - they do not need a lining, and the weight of the protection is much less than that of three-layer materials. But, as you might guess, products made from this fabric are by no means cheap.

By the way, the already mentioned GoreTex, from which we started the discussion of the topic, is just a patented name for a membrane of a certain structure. For a long time, the company was practically a monopolist in the extreme clothing market, but now many respected and well-known companies produce no less respected membrane fabrics. For example, Toray (Japan) (Dermizax, Entrant HB), Event (USA, made in Japan), Unitika (Japan). These are leaders in the field of technologies for the production of membrane fabrics, which are used in their production by the world's leading brands that produce clothing and footwear for outdoor activities and sports.

There are two other important parameters that you need to pay attention to when buying pants and jackets for outdoor activities - these are waterproofness and breathable properties of fabrics.

Waterproof Roughly speaking, this is the pressure of the water column that this fabric can withstand. A piece of fabric is placed in a special machine, stretched, and a column of pressurized water is directed at it. The pressure is gradually increased and they watch at what point drops appear on the back of the cloth.

Indicators: 20.000 means that the fabric does not get wet in stormy conditions (strong wind, slanting heavy rain, snow); 10.000 - the fabric can withstand heavy rain; around 5,000 light rain and snow; around 3000 - drizzling rain and wet light snow.

Breathability depend on the amount of steam that the fabric passes over a certain period of time (now the unit of measurement is “X grams per square meter of fabric in 24 hours”). A piece of fabric is also placed in a special machine, where evaporation is simulated, and after 24 hours, they look at how much moisture the fabric has “taken away”. That is, the larger the number, the more moisture is removed. For example, in expensive quality products, water resistance is usually at least 20,000 mm of water column, and breathability is at least 8,000 g/sq. m./day. Mid-level membrane typically has a specification of 8.000mm/5.000g/sq. m/day or so.

The base level is usually 3000mm/3000gsm. m / day, although in products made from this type of fabric, insufficiently high membrane characteristics can be well combined with the presence of a large number of ventilation holes that allow you to control the temperature inside the product.

To provide additional protection from external moisture, there is such a thing as DWR coating. If you pour a little water on a fabric treated with DWR, then the droplets do not absorb, but lie on the fabric, rolling into balls! This is the result of the work of DWR (Durable Water Repellence) - a coating that does not allow water to pass even through the top layer of the fabric (that is, to be absorbed into it). DWR, however, is not a durable thing (it is applied during the production of clothes) and disappears over time (washed off). So in the future, during operation and contact with water, wet spots may appear on the fabric. This does not mean at all that the product gets wet, since the membrane will not let water through anyway, but some discomfort may be present. The resulting layer of water on top will not allow the membrane to work, no matter how “cool” it is. In this case, the penetration of water into the product is possible in the porous membranes. How to deal with it? To avoid DWR dying, specially designed products with this same DWR coating (NIKWAX for example), which are sold in stores selling extreme clothing, will help. If, after washing (or more often), for example, NIKWAX or another similar agent is applied to the fabric, then the product will definitely last longer than if this is not done.

After such an abundance of information, the question is logical: “But how to take care of membrane clothing?” Let's say right away that it is necessary to wash membrane things, but not in the same way as ordinary ones. Do not use washing powders with bleach and other aggressive substances - they clog and destroy pores. You can not use machine spinning - the membrane deteriorates from this, as spinning violates its fine structure. Do not dry clean or use bleach. Do not iron - the synthetic fabric of the top will melt, and the membrane will also be damaged! You can wash clothes by hand with special detergents for washing membrane fabrics (NIKWAX again); if the product is not too dirty, you can wash it with ordinary soap, and rub the especially dirty places with a brush. Can be left to dry on a string. DWR can be applied to a dry product from a spray can. I would like to note that DWR impregnation should only be applied to clean items, since when impregnating dirty material, you will not achieve a water-repellent effect. Detergents must have an inscription on the packaging - "allowed for membrane fabrics"! That's all the main secrets.

All of the above by and large refers to the top layer of clothing. It's time to say a few words about the middle, or bottom, layer, and about what materials, fabrics and tricky terms we may encounter when choosing such products.

Let's start with fleece. Fleece- this is a large group of fabrics that are made as follows: knots are tied on a sufficiently strong woven base by machine, then another machine breaks them, and a pile is obtained, which is tied to the base. It must be admitted that many people often get confused in terms of "fleece" and Polartec. Dispel your doubts: Polartec is just a fleece brand. That is, high quality fleece from Malden Mills is called Polartec. That's all wisdom.

Why is fleece recommended for active sports? Between the pile (from which, in fact, the fleece is made), a layer of air is preserved, which, as you know, is the best thermal insulator. In addition, unlike natural fabrics (such as cotton), a good fleece does not accumulate moisture, but provides the necessary ventilation in case of overheating and removes condensate to the outside. This is one of the main reasons why a “fleece” (fleece jacket) is recommended for active skiing, especially in the mountains - good fleece means warmth, dryness and comfort. But note: fleece will work in this way only if you put on thermal underwear under it, and not your favorite cotton T-shirt, which, for all its beauty, unfortunately, does not remove moisture and immediately gets wet.

Fleeces also come in membrane and non-membrane. With non-membrane, everything is clear - there is no membrane in the structure of the tissue. Membrane fleece consists, as it were, of three layers, "glued" into one.

Membrane fleece

1. Soft shell. Structure: top - durable fabric that does not absorb moisture and is resistant to wear; the middle layer is the membrane; bottom - fleece. In some cases, the membrane may be absent in the structure of the fabric, since in fleece fabrics it is by no means the main component. Windproofness is achieved through special tight weaving.

2. Windbloc(wind protection). Structure: the top layer is a treated fleece fabric (anti-piling, DWR), the middle layer is a membrane (sometimes foam is used instead of a membrane), the bottom layer is a pile fleece that collects moisture and removes it from the body.

Non-membrane fleece

1. Non-membrane Softshell- this is essentially a "sandwich", two glued types of fabric. The upper provides abrasion and tear resistance, while the one closer to the body warms and wicks away perspiration by quickly absorbing.

2. Polartec Thermal Pro- it is a warm, lightweight, moisture-repellent material, consists of two layers. The abrasion-resistant outer shell keeps out wind and light rain, while the soft fleecy inner layer provides maximum insulation. At the same time, moisture vapor from the body is freely removed to the outside. Thermal Pro made of polyester fibers is very durable and dries quickly. Unlike many fleecy fabrics, the material retains its heat-insulating properties and does not "roll" after repeated washes.

3. Polartec WindPro- A material with a denser structure than Thermal Pro, with increased wind protection characteristics.

4. Polartec 200 and similar quality fleece from other manufacturers- soft and almost weightless material. It has excellent thermal insulation properties. Unlike natural fabrics, it does not accumulate, but removes excess moisture from the body. In terms of thermal properties per gram of material, Polartec 200 is twice that of sheep's wool and more than three times that of cotton.

Having comprehended all of the above, we can distinguish the main properties of high-quality fleece:

• Long service life (retains its heat-insulating properties for a long time).
• Thanks to a special anti-pilling coating, the pile does not roll into hated spools even after repeated washes.
• Fleece does not wrinkle, has a pleasant to the touch structure.

Fleece, like outerwear (for example, for skiing), also requires special care. It can (and should!) be washed by hand or in a washing machine. If by hand, then with ordinary soap in warm water at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees. If in the machine, then at the same temperature, using the “gentle wash for synthetic fabrics” mode. Fleece clothing will last longer if washed with special gentle detergents and then rinsed in a solution that restores water repellency (for example, Nikwax Polar Proof). Fleece should not be ironed and dried in a washing machine or on a battery. Hang on a string or on a hanger - clothes will dry and keep a decent look.

How can all of the above be applied in everyday life and why is all this needed? If you are a snowboarder and skier, you probably know that skiing conditions in the mountains and in the city are always different. The "cabbage" version of clothing is considered a classic. First layer: thermal underwear (special tight-fitting sweatshirts and sweatpants) + ski socks (rather than ordinary woolen ones). The second layer is fleece, the third is outerwear (pants-jacket or overalls) plus a hat / helmet, mittens / gloves. Depending on the weather, the set may vary. The point is that all sweat removal technologies work only together, and if you put on a sweater and your favorite T-shirt under a membrane jacket, then there will be no sense in the membrane. And when everything is right, then everyone is dry and comfortable. What else does a person need?

And a little about money: as we said, good quality requires a good investment. If you are not ready to spend a serious amount on clothes right away, start with less - buy things in parts. For example, at the beginning of the season, buy thermal underwear, then fleece, and after that, “splurge” on membrane things. Dress appropriately and don't be cold!

What other inscriptions can be found on the label? Rip stop- this is the name of the method of weaving fabric, which in its structure resembles a grid or honeycomb. That is, both thin and thick threads are used in this texture, which makes it possible to produce a durable and at the same time lightweight material. Twill weaving- It is a smooth, pleasant to the touch material with excellent strength characteristics. Resist Techno Soft Shell- material belonging to the class of membrane fleece. The latest in high-tech fabrics from the Softshell series, Resist Techno Soft Shell is a completely new material that provides comfort during skiing and active sports, perfectly retains heat. In addition, this fleece, in fact, works like thermal underwear - it actively removes evaporation during intensive loads and retains heat. Fabric windbloc- combines the heat-insulating and "breathing" properties of fleece and the wind and moisture resistance of the outer layer. Membrane outer surface blocks wind; the inner layer of the fabric removes excess moisture.

The word membrane has a number of meanings, but in a general sense, the term means a thin flexible septum, membrane or plate that can perform various functions. In this article we will tell you what a membrane is from the point of view of biology and technology.

Membrane in biology

Membrane (or cell membrane) is an elastic molecular structure whose role is to protect the cell from the environment. The cell membrane ensures its integrity, and is also responsible for the exchange processes between the environment and the cell.

The cell membrane consists of proteins and lipids and has a thickness of about 7 nm. Each "brick" of the membrane is responsible for a specific function of a given cellular organ. Lipids in the membrane are represented by three types - phospholipids, glycolipids and cholesterol.

Phospholipids and glycolipids form hydrophobic and hydrophilic sections (hydrophobic sections are directed inside the cell, and hydrophilic sections are directed outward), which regulate the exchange of water and similar molecules between the cell and the environment. Cholesterol stiffens the membrane.

The proteins that make up the membrane can perform many functions, for example, there are transporter proteins that help the necessary substances get into the cell.

Membrane in engineering

The safety membrane is part of the membrane safety device, the task of which is to ensure the necessary discharge of the gas-vapor mixture at a certain pressure. Such devices are used as fuses for process equipment, pipelines, etc.

In the presence of dangerous overloads, the membrane breaks, providing the necessary "discharge", while maintaining the integrity of an expensive and complex technical system.

Look for more interesting concepts in the section.