Testing the laminates
TESTING SYMPATEX LAMINATES
THERMOREGULATION MODEL OF HUMAN SKIN
The independent Hohenstein Institute developed the so-called ‘skin model’ in order to measure the breathability of fabrics during varying degrees of physical exertion. The results convinced the testers – and delighted our developers: the Sympatex membrane provides optimal breathability, with an especially low Ret value of 1.5.
By the way, the Ret value is a measurement of water vapour permeability. It describes the force exerted by the test sample against the water vapour in the ‘skin model’ test. In this case, less is more. The less resistance there is, the more comfortable the material is, and the lower the Ret value.
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO HOHENSTEIN:
Ret < 6 optimal breathability
Ret 6-13 very breathable
Ret 13-20 breathable
Ret > 20 not breathable
OUTSTANDING:
The Ret values for Sympatex laminates fall within the ‘optimal breathability’ and ‘very breathable’ ranges.
Skin model test of breathability
THE WATERPROOFING TEST DEMONSTRATES: THERE’S NOTHING DRYER
Always nice and dry: Sympatex laminates are 100% waterproof. This test is performed on each product in three states: unused, after washing and after dry cleaning. All laminates are subjected to a pressure test and must be able to resist extreme water pressure levels well in excess of the required standards.
The pressure test
Control of waterproofness with more than 60,000 Pa
THE SEAM SEALING TEST SHOWS: WEAK POINTS ARE OUR STRENGTH
The seams must also be 100% waterproof. That is why all waterproof Sympatex products are sealed using a special Sympatex tape. Seams are often a weak point, so the testers pay especially close attention to the seals during the laminate pressure tests. Here too, the tests are performed in three states: unused, after washing and after dry cleaning. And the results speak for themselves.
TEAR TEST RESULTS: AS ELASTIC AS A BUNGEE CORD
Sympatex laminates are highly elastic (Bi-Stretch), which means they move with the wearer. In tear tests, the materials are tested to determine their tear thresholds and thus their robustness.
THE ABRASION TEST DEMONSTRATES EXTREME WEAR RESISTANCE
Sympatex laminates are extremely hard-wearing, something that has been proven by abrasion tests using the Martindale method. Depending on the field of use, some of these functional materials are even able to withstand 100,000 abrasion cycles without difficulty.
Wear resistance test for materials
THE SPRAY TEST – NO CHANCE FOR MOISTURE
Whatever happens, Sympatex Laminates stay dry. Because all outer materials used are given a hydrophobic treatment. Moisture simply beads off rather than being absorbed by the outer material. The spray test checks the effectiveness of this hydrophobic treatment, which helps ensure the constant breathability of functional clothing and functional footwear.
Hydrophobic treatment test
