SYMPATEX PHASEABLE

Sympatex Technologies is, and has been, one of the most prominent companies that supply high tech functional materi-als in clothing, footwear, accessories, protective workwear, and technical applications since 1986. They specialize in the development and manufacturing of membranes, laminates, functional textiles, and a variety of oth-er products with global partners. Sympatex focuses on protec-tion, comfort, performance and perfect functionality, together with ecological responsibility.

MANUFACTURER

Sympatex Technologies, Inc.Merrimac Building44 Merrimac StreetNewburyport, MA 01950USA

Phone: +1 978 225 6622Fax: +1 978 225 6630

www.sympatex.com

ELECTRICAL & PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Phaseable is 100% waterproof and windproof, breath-able, and 100% recyclable. The textile consists of an inner layer composed of 100% recycled polyester (PES), a breathable membrane composed of 100% PES onto which the foam dots are printed in a 100% solvent free process. The hydrophilic membrane is 100% recyclable, bluesign® certified, received the Öko-Tex-Standard 100 certificate, and is PTFE-free, Fluorocar-bon-free and PFC-free. The company used an ‘onion layering system’ when they developed Phaseable; layering of different garments achieved a superior fabric:

- An outer layer with weather protective functionality (breathable, waterproof, windproof) - A mid-layer membrane with an insulating and heat- regulating function - A base layer with foam dots and wicking properties

ELECTRICAL & PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Three-dimensional foam dots on the inner surface of the laminate create space between the skin and the textile. This creates air chambers, between the foam, which insulate the wearer during periods of low physical activity. During periods of high physical activity the membrane, where the foam dots are printed, expands into the spaces between the 3D foam dots causing the textile to get closer to the skin which re-duces heat insulation, and increases perspiration removal and breathability by the hydrophilic membrane. The closed membrane is made of a hydrophilic polyether-ester block copolymer, and is different than a microporous membrane. The structure in Phaseable does not allow water to pass through, however, it allows moisture to escape in va-pour form by way of an absorption and evaporation process.

INTENDED USES

Sympatex develops, produces and distributes membranes, laminates and textiles, as well as finished products worldwide. Because the membrane developed is highly breathable, 100% waterproof and windproof while regulating climate, the pos-sibilities for application are endless. Currently, Sympatex is widely used in apparel, footwear, workwear, and tection. Most of the clothing developed is used for outdoor sports such as mountain climbing, snowmobiling and hiking, however, they have proven to be useful in military settings and protective workgear. In the industry, Sympatex can be seen used in auto-motive seating, to provide climate controlled and waterproof interiors, and in the medical industry (cooling pads, inner gloves, membrane systems for diagnosis). PYUA, a German clothing brand, takes advantage of Sym-patex’s membrane technology and incorporates it into their clothing. PYUA specializes in ecologically friendly outerwear for skiing, snowboarding, and sports alike. As well as being highly durable in any environment, the material is also 100% recyclable and reusable, which minimizes their carbon foot-print.

Along with the incorporation of electrical components into fabric, the potential applications of Sympatex’s material are wide. Because Sympatex develops all of their materials in house, mixing and matching, and layering of their different pro-tective layers could provide smarter, greener alternatives in many industries. Following their large apparel portfolio, Sympatex could trickle down into personal accessories such as rugged travel gear and backpacks to compliment their current outdoor ac-tivewear. This can also be translated into fields such as marine biology, where wetsuits are required, or emergency services such as firefighters. The end result could be multi-layered, lightweight protective apparel to better assist in mobility. For marine biologists, technology that assists in communication can be implemented inside wetsuits, as it is highly waterproof, while providing easier navigation in water due to less friction.

If combined with technology in terms of wearables, it could replace individual equipment by embedding them into the suit. For instance, a diver would no longer need to strap a headlight on if lights were strategically placed inside the suit; this could also increase the visibility of the diver at night. For firefighting apparel, Sympatex would need to develop a fire resistant material, similar to Sailcloth fabric, that offers breath-ability and water- and heat resistance (in the case that technol-ogy would be implemented into the suit). Sympatex can incorporate its technology in the transpor-tation industry as well. By incorporating one or more of their protective layers in Phaseable (hydrophilic membrane, insulat-ing foam layer, etc.), they can create more efficient modes of transport. If applied in the hulls of boats as a thin layer, boats could cut across water faster, saving time and money. It would also serve as a preventative measure as it would prevent algae from building up on the underside of the boat. If applied in the aircraft and automotive industry, Sympatex’s insulating layers could be implemented in the lining of the frames to provide a more stable, temperature regulated environment within a plane or a car.

IMAGINED USES

SIMILAR MATERIALS

A few materials that displayed similar qualitiesto Sympatex’s Phaseable fabric (lightweight, waterproof, windproof, breath-able) are listed below:

Chameleon Velvet - http://www.youngdovelvet.com/

“A 100% polyester (PET, polyethylene terephthalate) velvet textile with a variety of finishes providing anti-soiling, anti-static, water re-pellent, and fire resistant properties. Applications include apparel, interior design, decorative objects, and linings.” *

SuperStealth Camo Jungle Pattern - http://www.sommers.com/

“This durable fabric is composed of polyurethane (TPU) coating with a liquid crystal emulsion that is laminated to a polyester knit back-ing. Applications include wall coverings, upholstery, apparel, footwear, stationery, accessories, and swimwear.” *

Darlexx - http://www.shawmutcorporation.com/

“An elastic warp knit fabric laminated with a polyurethane film. The resulting omni-directional stretch fabric, which is waterproof, wind-proof, and breathable, is used for wet suits, ski apparel, boots, gloves, wheel chair seating.” *

*Descriptions of Textiles provided form Material Connexion: http://library.materialconnexion.com

RELATED MATERIALS

Exploring deeper into protective materials, fire resistant mate-rials that could potentially compliment Sympatex’s technology:

Protera - http://www.dupont.com/

“Inherently fire resistant fiber blend that is suitable for industrial workwear. The thermal protection found in the fiber is inherent and cannot be washed out or worn away. The fabric’s flame resistance will not diminish through laundering or bleaching. The textiles are specifically for industrial workwear.” *

Imagine - http://www.sommers.com/

“This 100% polyurethane coated polyester knit textile is durable, colorfast (in both wet and dry conditions) and has good tensile strength. It complies with California Bulletin 117, Class A ASTM E-84 and Class 1 NFPA 260 for fire retardancy. It is cleanable using water-based cleaning agents, is antimicrobial. Potential applications include handbags, phone cases, gym bags, totes, and diaper bags.” *

Sailcloth Fabric - http://www.glenraven.com/

“This material exhibits good stretch and recovery, has a high tensile strength, is dimensionally stable, printable, and resistant to abrasion, chemicals, mold, mildew, water, UV light, and weathering (wind and saltwater). The material is suitable for printing. Applications include outdoor and marine uses such as sails for recreational and profes-sional boating.” *

*Descriptions of Textiles provided form Material Connexion: http://library.materialconnexion.com

EXPERIMENT #1WATERPROOF

EXPERIMENT #2IMPREGNATION

EXPERIMENT #3BREATHABILITY