Toyota Tsusho bases new PFC-free waterproof breathable membrane on DSM technology
29/07/2014
Based on DSM’s Arnitel VT flexible thermoplastic polyester-based elastomer, the new membranes are 100% recyclable and highly breathable and waterproof despite being only a few microns thick.
Toyota Tsusho will launch the new membranes, the latest addition to its Gelanots product range, the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market exhibition in Salt Lake City on August 6-9.
Unlike competing products, Arnitel VT does not rely on perforations to make it breathable, Royal DSM has said, explaining that perforated membranes can have their waterproofness compromised when they are washed or come into contact with liquids such as alcohols or fuels. Perforations also reduce the strength of the membrane, making it easier to rip. Perforations can get clogged too, causing the membrane to lose its breathability.
Arnitel VT has been used for many years in membranes for clothing. Because it is not perforated, it acts as a barrier not only to liquids, but also to bacteria and viruses. For this reason, Arnitel VT is used in surgical gowns with the highest level of protection.
“DSM has been a very reliable partner for us in our quest to develop membrane technologies that do not need PFCs and which still meet all the demanding requirements of the outdoor industry,” said Masato Hashi, general manager of textile trade at Toyota Tsusho, at the time of the launch.
For her part, DSM sales director, Marie Cangialosi, said: “Incorporating Arnitel in our laminates enables us to offer a high-performance product without compromise, which is PFC-free fully polyester based thus 100% recyclable.”
Share this story:
