| abstract |
A method for creating a highly breathable and waterproof fabric based on hydrophobic plastic (such as PVDF) as a membrane layer. This new fabric allows higher water vapor throughput and better water resistance than other PVDF and ePTFE membranes. This is achieved through control of pore size, thus creating a spongy porous structure, pre-stressing to make the membrane and subsequent laminated fabric soft, and a microscopically folded structure which increases the surface area for the porous media, thus gaining higher throughput, waterproofness and comfort. In addition, the invention provides a method of controlling pore size distribution, increased porosity and pre-stress relief during the gelation proces. |