Under the name AQUAIR, Trans-Textil GmbH is
providing highly breathable coated textiles based on purely aqueous and
solvent-free formula components from Covestro. In a joint and exclusive
development, both partners have laid the foundation for this functional product
line, which also focuses on ecological aspects.
“The microporous structure of the
synthetics is permeable to water vapor and provides the greatest possible
comfort in combination with individually selected textiles,” explains Matthias
Krings, managing director of Trans-Textil.
In combination with other functional
layers, products created on this basis are also characterized by their
considerable freedom of design in terms of structure, coloring and technical
properties.
Advantage
polyurethane
“The polyurethane coating is particularly
abrasion-resistant and breathable, but in combination with membrane systems
from Trans-Textil, it can also be made both waterproof and windproof,” adds
Thomas Michaelis, expert for coated textiles at Covestro.
It is built on our water-based and
sustainable INSQIN technology, which also means that the production of coated
textiles requires up to 95% less water and 50% less energy than previous
processes based on solvents.
As a result, this technology was awarded
the Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions label as an economically viable and
environmentally friendly solution.
This combination of properties combined
with Trans-Textil's extensive portfolio of membrane systems, textile substrates
and technologies provides its customers with a very wide range of sophisticated
and individual products.
Options include embossed designs in classic
or exotic leather looks, textile structures or technical patterns, flexible
coloring and a wide selection of textile substrates and spacer systems based on
woven, knitted or non-woven fabrics, with which AQUAIR can be combined in
functional multi-layer composites.
In combination with Trans-Textil’s technologies,
the entirely water-based and solvent-free polyurethane dispersions of the
Impranil and Impraperm ranges developed by Covestro enable unprecedented
breathable properties with a level of comfort and functionality that far
exceeds the standard of coated textiles.
Water-repellent properties are already
integrated into the materials meaning that no additional finishing with harmful
substances such as perfluorinated and polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs) is
required.
Versatile
use in various segments
AQUAIR can thus be used to design shoe
components, leisure, sports and outdoor clothing, bags and accessories, as well
as upholstery and furniture.
The flexible combination with other
functional layers focuses on the requirements of the application as well as the
technical and design demands of the customers even for small series or samples.
The production as roll material is the basis for an optimal use of material in
ready-made clothing.
As a shoe component designed to enhance
comfort, the high water vapor permeability of AQUAIR contributes to the active
regulation of the microclimate inside the shoe. Its breathability is preserved
even in combination with a waterproof functional membrane system, which
Trans-Textil also offers as an option for purely water-based products. The
washable technology ensures the greatest possible freedom of movement in
clothing due to its high degree of elasticity.
In addition, both partners have also
developed solvent-free seam sealing tapes for all common laminate types. Topaz
tapes provide reliable impermeability and enable long-lasting use of
high-quality functional textile, for example in shoe laminates, work wear,
outdoor, leisure and sportswear as well as in technical garments.
The tapes can be customized in terms of technical
properties, dimensions and design. They are designed for industrial washing at
up to 60℃.