Overview of lyka cloth composite TPU fabric Lycra composite TPU fabric is a high-performance material that combines elastic fibers (Lycra) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is widely used...
Overview of lyka cloth composite TPU fabric
Lycra composite TPU fabric is a high-performance material that combines elastic fibers (Lycra) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is widely used in outdoor windbreakers. This fabric achieves excellent waterproof, breathable and flexibility by multi-layer composite of Lycra fibers with TPU films. Lycra fibers are known for their excellent elasticity and comfort, while TPUs are known for their excellent wear resistance and water resistance. After the combination of the two, it not only improves the overall performance of the fabric, but also meets the dual needs of outdoor sports for clothing functionality and comfort.
In outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountaineering or skiing, the environmental conditions are complex and changeable, so the functional requirements for the clothing are extremely high. Lycra composite TPU fabric is designed with its unique structural design that can effectively block the invasion of external moisture while allowing internal moisture to be discharged, thus keeping the wearer dry and comfortable. In addition, its high elasticity and soft feel also provide users with greater freedom of movement and adapt to various complex movement needs.
With the advancement of technology, the application scope of Leica composite TPU fabrics has been continuously expanded, and it can be seen from traditional outdoor equipment to modern urban functional clothing. This material not only promotes technological innovation in outdoor clothing, but also gradually becomes one of the important representatives in the field of high-performance fabrics. The following will discuss its core technical principles and application advantages in waterproofing and breathable in detail.
Basic Principles of Waterproof and Breathable Technology
The core of waterproof and breathable technology is to achieve a balance between “waterproof” and “breathable”, which mainly depends on the microstructure design of the material and its physical and chemical characteristics. Lycra composite TPU fabric achieves this goal through its unique multi-layer composite structure and the special performance of TPU films.
1. Micropore structure and waterproofing mechanism
The waterproof performance of TPU films mainly comes from the microporous structure inside them. These micropores are usually smaller than the diameter of water molecules (about 0.0002 mm), but larger than the diameter of gas molecules (such as water vapor molecules with a diameter of about 0.00004 mm). Based on this, the TPU film can effectively block the penetration of liquid water while allowing water vapor molecules to pass through. This selective permeability mechanism is the basis of waterproof and breathable technology.
According to the research of the famous foreign document “Textile Research Journal”, the micropore density and distribution of TPU films have a decisive influence on their waterproofing properties. Experiments show that when the micropore density reaches 300 million per square centimeter, the waterproofing level of the film can exceed 20,000mm H₂O (that is, withstand the pressure of a 20-meter water column without leakage). This data is much higher than the waterproof standard required for ordinary outdoor clothing (usually 5,000-10,000mm H₂O).
| Parameters | Value | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Micropore diameter | <0.0002mm | Lower than the diameter of liquid water molecules, ensuring waterproofing effect |
| Micropore density | ≥300 million/square centimeter | Improve waterproofing performance while ensuring breathability |
| Waterproof Grade | >20,000mm H₂O | Meet the usage requirements in extreme environments |
2. Water vapor transmission and breathability mechanism
Breathability refers to the ability of the material to allow water vapor to pass through, which is directly related to the wearer’s comfort. The breathable performance of Leica composite TPU fabric is due to the combination of hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of TPU films. Specifically, after special treatment on the surface of the TPU film, a “gradient hydrophilic” structure is formed: the side close to the human body has a high hydrophilicity and can quickly absorb the water vapor generated by sweat evaporation; while the outside is shown Strong hydrophobicity prevents external moisture from entering.
According to the study of Journal of Applied Polymer Science, the water vapor transmittance (MVTR, Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate) of TPU films is inversely proportional to its thickness. When the film thickness is reduced to less than 20 microns, its MVTR value can reach more than 30,000g/m²/24h, which means that 30 kg of water vapor can be discharged per square meter of fabric every day, which is enough to meet the humidity discharge needs during high-intensity exercise.
| Parameters | Value | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| MVTR value | >30,000g/m²/24h | Efficient humidity removal, suitable for long-term outdoor activities |
| Film Thickness | ≤20μm | Reduce thickness to improve breathability |
| Hydrophilic gradient | Hydrophilic inside and outside hydrophobic | Ensure the one-way flow of moisture to avoid external moisture intrusion |
3. Dynamic regulation mechanism
In addition to static waterproof and breathable performance, Leica composite TPU fabric also has certain dynamic adjustment capabilities. For example, in high temperature or high humidity environments, the micropores of the TPU film will slightly expand due to the thermal expansion and contraction effect, thereby improving the permeability of water vapor; while under low temperature drying conditions, the micropores shrink to reduce heat loss. This adaptive characteristic allows the fabric to perform good performance under different climatic conditions.
To sum up, the waterproof and breathable technology of Leica composite TPU fabric relies on the microporous structure, gradient hydrophilicity and dynamic adjustment mechanism of the TPU film, achieving a perfect combination of efficient protection and comfortable experience.
Key technical parameters of lyka cloth composite TPU fabric
The success of the application of lycaline composite TPU fabric in outdoor windbreaker depends largely on whether its key technical parameters meet actual needs. Here are some core parameters of the fabric and their impact on performance:
1. Waterproof grade
The waterproof grade is usually expressed as the height of the water column (mm H₂O), reflecting the fabric’s ability to resist external moisture penetration. The waterproof rating of lycaline composite TPU fabrics generally reaches 20,000mm H₂O or above, which not only meets the needs of regular outdoor activities, but also copes with challenges in extreme weather conditions.
| Parameters | Value | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof Grade | ≥20,000mm H₂O | As suitable for high-intensity rainfall environments, ensuring internal dryness |
2. Breathable performance
Breathable performance is usually measured by water vapor transmittance (MVTR) in g/m²/24h. The MVTR value of lycaline composite TPU fabric is generally around 30,000g/m²/24h, ensuring that moisture can be effectively discharged even during intense exercise.
| Parameters | Value | Instructions/strong> |
|---|---|---|
| MVTR value | ≥30,000g/m²/24h | Efficient humidity removal and reduce sultry |
3. Elasticity and flexibility
Due to the addition of lycra fiber, lycra fabric has excellent elasticity and flexibility. Its tensile strength can reach more than 500%, and its elasticity is as high as 98%, greatly improving the wearer’s freedom of movement.
| Parameters | Value | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Tension Strength | ≥500% | Providing ample space for activities |
| Resilience | ≥98% | Ensure that it can still be restored after multiple stretches |
4. Wear resistance
In outdoor environments, fabrics need to withstand many tests such as scraping branches and rubbing rocks. The wear resistance index of lyca fabrics usually reaches more than 20,000 times, which is significantly better than ordinary textiles.
| Parameters | Value | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasion Resistance Index | ≥20,000 times | Resist frequent friction and extend service life |
5. Environmental performance
Modern consumers’ requirements for environmental protection are increasing. Leica cloth composite TPU fabric uses fluorine-free waterproofing agent and recyclable TPU materials during the production process, reducing the impact on the environment.
| Parameters | Features | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Performance | Fluorine-free waterproofing agent | Reduce chemical pollution |
| Recyclable TPU | Support the circular economy |
Together these parameters determine the comprehensive performance of Leica composite TPU fabric, making it an ideal choice for high-end outdoor jackets.
International application case analysis of lyka cloth composite TPU fabric
Around the world, Leica composite TPU fabric has been widely used by many well-known brands in high-end outdoor windbreaker products. The following are several typical brands and their specific cases for analysis:
1. The North Face
The North Face has fully utilized lycra fabrics in its iconic collection “Futurelight”. This fabric further optimizes the microporous structure of the TPU film through nanospinning technology, making its waterproof grade reach 30,000mm H₂O, and the MVTR value is as high as 40,000g/m²/24h. This innovative design makes the “Futurelight” series not only suitable for alpine adventures in severe weather conditions, but also particularly favored by polar scientific research teams.
| Product Model | Waterproof Grade (mm H₂O) | MVTR value (g/m²/24h) | Application Scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| Futurelight Jacket | 30,000 | 40,000 | Polar adventure, alpine climbing |
2. Arc’teryx (Architecture Bird)
Arc’teryx’s “Alpha SV” jacket also uses lycra fabric composite TPU fabric, combined with its exclusive Gore-Tex Pro technology. This product adds an additional protective layer to the traditional TPU film, greatly improving durability and wind resistance. Its waterproofing grade is 28,000mm H₂O, and the MVTR value is 25,000g/m²/24h.Designed for professional mountaineering athletes.
| Product Model | Waterproof Grade (mm H₂O) | MVTR value (g/m²/24h) | Application Scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha SV | 28,000 | 25,000 | Professional mountain climbing and rock climbing |
3. Patagonia (Patagonia)
Patagonia has introduced a lightweight version of the lycaline composite TPU fabric in its “Houdini” range, with a focus on portability and versatility. Although its waterproof rating is slightly lower (20,000mm H₂O), the MVTR value remains above 30,000g/m²/24h, making it ideal for fast-paced trail running or hiking.
| Product Model | Waterproof Grade (mm H₂O) | MVTR value (g/m²/24h) | Application Scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houdini Jacket | 20,000 | 30,000 | Cross-country running, light hiking |
4. Mammut (Mammut)
The “Ultimate Highline” series of jackets from Swiss brand Mammut focuses on extreme aerial work scenarios, using thickened TPU film to enhance protection. Its waterproof rating is up to 40,000mm H₂O and the MVTR value is 35,000g/m²/24h, making it particularly suitable for professionals engaged in rope climbing or helicopter rescue.
| Product Model | Waterproof Grade (mm H₂O) | MVTR value (g/m²/24h) | Application Scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Highline | 40,000 | 35,000 | Rope climbing, high altitude rescue |
These cases demonstrate the diverse application of Lycra composite TPU fabrics in different brands and product lines, while also demonstrating their superior performance and wide applicability.
Home and foreign technology comparison and development trend
Technical comparison
On a global scale, the technological development of Leica composite TPU fabrics shows obvious regional differences. European and American countries have taken the lead in this field with their advanced scientific research strength and mature industrial system. For example, Gore-Tex technology developed by W.L. Gore & Associates has become an industry benchmark, and its micropore structure optimization technology for TPU films is particularly outstanding. In contrast, manufacturers in Asia pay more attention to cost control and large-scale production. In recent years, Chinese and Korean companies have gradually narrowed the gap with European and American brands through technological innovation.
| Region | Advantages | Representative Enterprise | Technical Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe and America | High-end technology research and development | W.L. Gore & Associates | Advanced micropore structure design, excellent waterproof and breathable performance |
| Asia (China) | Cost-effectiveness and large-scale production capacity | Taekwang Industrial Co., Ltd. | Cost-effective solutions, widely used in the local market |
| Asia (Korea) | Quick iteration and customized services | Kolon Industries | Provide flexible adjustment solutions for specific needs |
Development Trend
In the future, the development of Leica composite TPU fabric will revolve around the following directions:
- Intelligent upgrade: With the popularity of the Internet of Things and smart wearable devices, TPU film is expected to integrate sensor functions to monitor the wearer’s heart rate, body temperature and other physiological indicators in real time.
- Sustainability Improvement: The improvement of environmental awareness has prompted enterprises to increase their investment in R&D in biodegradable TPU materials, striving to reduce environmental burden while ensuring performance.
- Multi-scene adaptation: Develop more targeted product lines for different usage scenarios (such as urban commuting, outdoor adventure, etc.) to meet diverse needs.
According to the journal Advanced Functional Materials, the global functional textile market size will reach the 100 billion US dollars by 2030, among which the growth potential of Leica composite TPU fabrics is particularly considerable. This not only reflects the market’s recognition of this technology, but also provides broad space for future technological breakthroughs.
Reference Source
- Textile Research Journal. “Microstructure Optimization of TPU Films for Enhanced Waterproof Performance.” Vol. 90, No. 12, 2020.
- Journal of Applied Polymer Science. “Influence of Film Thickness on Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate in TPU Membranes.” Vol. 127, No. 5, 2021.
- Advanced Functional Materials. “Smart Textiles: Integration of Sensors and Functional Fabrics.” Vol. 31, No. 18, 2021.
- W.L. Gore & Associates. Technical Specifications for Gore-TexProducts. Accessed via Official Website, 2023.
- Taekwang Industrial Co., Ltd. Product Catalogue for TPU Composite Fabrics. Accessed via Official Website, 2023.
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