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Product category: Textile

Self-Sealing Textile

Breathable textile that becomes waterproof when wetted.

This nonwoven textile has superabsorbent polymer particles embedded between its fibres. If the textile becomes wet, the particles absorb the water and swell to many times their original size. The swelled particles fill the air gaps between the fibres and the textile becomes waterproof. As the textile dries, the particles shrink and air permeability is restored.

Used for:
The material is initially marketed towards the footwear industry and is used for safety shoes in combination with a perforated sole. It is also used as a membrane in air pressure vents for sealed housings for electronics.

Details:
The self-sealing textile has a much higher air permeability than traditional expanded PTFE membranes. Unlike PTFE membranes, the self-sealing textile does not release harmful chemicals when burned.

Idea:
Create a rain jacket that is waterproof and airtight only when it rains.

Try it:
Blow air through the sample to test the air permeability. Then drip water onto the sample and notice it does not pass through the textile.

107,00 DKK
Tax included

The sample you get:

You get a piece with these dimensions:

9 cm x 9 cm with a thickness of 1 mm // 3.5 inch x 3.5 inch with a thickness of 0.04 inch

Questions & Answers

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  • What happens whith the material when it is -30 degress and snowing? Can I use for a cover for my car window?

    The water within the textile will freeze like in any other textile. I don't see any reason why it could not be used for a permable cover for a car window.

  • Will the material comply with IP65 rating once wet?

    The raw textile itself cannot receive an IP rating, as such certification depends on the specific application and installation within the final product. I am aware of a company that uses this material to produce air vents for technical device housings. When employed in such vents, the self-sealing textile outperforms expanded PTFE membranes (commonly known as Gore-Tex). Consequently, I believe it is possible to achieve an IP65 rating for your product by incorporating this material into a vent design.

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