eVent and Italian partner produce 85%-stretch laminated fabrics
08/07/2014
They have worked together to produce technology called DVStretch, which features the eVent ePTFE membrane in laminations that have “an unprecedented degree of stretch”, eVent has said, claiming that finished fabrics can stretch up to 85% and fully recover.
DV refers here to ‘direct venting’ technology, for which the membranes are air permeable and have a porous structure that lets heat and body moisture pass through easily; eVent has patented DV technology.
“High stretch with excellent recovery capability has been extremely difficult to achieve with ePTFE,” explained Chad Kelly, global product manager for eVent fabrics, on making the announcement. “The hurdle has been in the lamination and ITTTAI-Bel Punto, with its advanced lamination capabilities, solved this challenge.”
According to Mr Kelly, two developments were required to create the DVStretch laminates. ITTTAI-Bel Punto created a proprietary lamination process that allows three-layer laminates to stretch yet retain their elasticity. In parallel, the eVent fabrics team produced a new membrane product that would meet the requirements of the lamination process, as well as achieve specific performance benefits.
Thorough tests of the new finished fabrics have taken place with professional cyclists, provoking a positive reaction from the athletes. Chad Kelly has said the fabrics are ideal for a wide range of “aerobically demanding” sports that generate a lot of heat and moisture but also require essential protection from wind and wet weather. Uses he envisages include running and Nordic skiing, as well as fast and light trekking or climbing, in addition to cycling.
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