The difference between waterproof and water-repellent

We once had a customer who was happily walking in the rain wearing a waterproof jacket, but as he walked, he felt more and more wrong... My clothes are obviously waterproof, why are they still th...

We once had a customer who was happily walking in the rain wearing a waterproof jacket, but as he walked, he felt more and more wrong… My clothes are obviously waterproof, why are they still there? Wet?

In fact, “water-repellent” and “waterproof” are two different things. What’s the difference between them?

Waterproof

Also known as water repellent, English is water repellent, abbreviated as W/R. Water-repellent refers to the deposition of hydrophobic compounds on the surface of fibers, leaving pores on the surface of the fabric through which air and water vapor can pass. Generally, water droplets (like lotus leaves) will form on the surface of the fabric. It is not really waterproof, but Reduce the adsorption of water by the fabric, so that the water can be “pushed away” on the surface of the fabric. If the water stays for a long time, it will still seep into it.

Water-repellent processing uses various chemical materials to attach an ultra-fine “needle bed” to the surface of the fabric, making the surface tension of the fabric less than the cohesion of water. Therefore, when water drops, they will form water droplets and roll away, rather than spreading out and soaking. If this “needle bed” structure is flattened or covered with oil and infiltrated, the fabric’s water-repellent ability will be greatly reduced, and it may even begin to absorb water. The water-repellent effect of fabrics will gradually weaken or even fail with washing and long-term use.

Waterproof

Waterproof in English is water resistant/water proof, which generally refers to waterproof and breathable fabrics. It generally refers to making a rubber sole on the bottom of the fabric, which is divided into two types: coating and lamination. Coating is often referred to as coating, and lamination refers to lamination, that is, a layer of waterproof material. The vast majority of waterproof fabrics use laminated (film) materials, and there are also various treatment forms such as capsule fibers, compact fabrics, silicones, etc., and are usually located on the inner layer of the fabric, which is often referred to as a “waterproof membrane.”

Waterproof membrane is a composite fabric that combines a film with other fabrics through an adhesion process. The fabric itself is not waterproof, so when we wear waterproof clothing and encounter wet weather, we will see water seeping into the clothing, just like ordinary The fabric is the same as the clothing, but the inner layer of the clothing is dry. This is where the waterproof film in the middle of the composite fabric comes into play.

The waterproof ability is expressed by the water pressure resistance value, that is, a fixed area of ​​​​a waterproof cloth is used to block the rising water pressure. When the third drop of water seeps out from the surface, it is the water pressure resistance value of the fabric. Usually it can be achieved if it exceeds 1000 mmH2O. Basic waterproof capability.

The difference between the two

1. Waterproof products are more durable and have more stable physical and chemical properties than water-repellent products.

2. Waterproof products usually do not lose effectiveness due to washing and long-term use;

3. Waterproof products have a higher water pressure resistance index than water-repellent products, usually at least 3000mmH2O;

4. In the specific application of clothing, the main function of the water-repellent treatment is to reduce the adsorption of the fabric so that water can be “pushed away” on the surface of the fabric; the waterproof treatment is a completely impermeable barrier, regardless of whether the fabric absorbs water or not. They all keep water out.

If you haveneeds, please contact the technical hotline: 020-32058382.

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