Fabric Technology

Aquatex Fabrics are laminates, designed to be waterproof, windproof, breathable and to meet the specific technical requirements of the end user. Laminated fabrics have an outer textile layer, or "face" fabric, usually made of nylon or polyester, the main function of which is to provide a durable outer shell. The face fabric is normally treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating to make it more water resistant. The face fabric is laminated to a high performance polyurethane (PU) or PTFE/PU bi-component waterproof membrane. The membrane will not allow water droplets (rain) to get in but it does allow moisture vapour molecules (perspiration) to pass through. Thus the membrane provides a barrier that is both waterproof and at the same time breathable. A two-ply laminate comprises a face fabric and a membrane. A three-ply laminate has another layer, usually a soft knitted fabric, laminated to the other side of the membrane. This acts like a lining on the inside of the garment, it protects the membrane and helps to wick moisture away from the body.

Heat from the body creates a warm environment inside a garment. When the environment on the outside of the garment is cooler than the inside a driving force is created which promotes the passage of water vapour molecules through to the external face of the fabric where the moisture can evaporate.