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Technologies

THE SYMPATEX DIFFERENCE

Sympatex is maximum quality and the highly sophisticated technology packed into a layer just five micrometres thick. The high demands Sympatex makes of its products have led to the company becoming one of the world’s leading specialists in high-tech functional systems for clothing, footwear, accessories and medical applications. Highly developed Sympatex technologies enable the optimal application of a large range of laminates (the combination of membrane and carrier material) with precisely tailored functions. The non-porous polyether ester structure of the Sympatex membrane gives it its unique characteristics: 

    • Optimal breathability
    • 100% waterproof
    • 100% windproof
    • 100% ecologically degradable

Innovations – Sympatex Reflexion

SYMPATEX REFLEXION: A NEW DEFINITION OF THERMAL INSULATION

  • Reflects up to 75% of the body’s own warmth thanks to the vaporised aluminium coating on the membrane
  • Up to 3.6°C less heat loss
  • Greater freedom of movement and better performance thanks to fewer insulation layers
  • Clothing fits in every rucksack or suitcase

    
Greater freedom of movement; better thermal insulation: thanks to Sympatex Reflexion, thickly padded lining materials and heavy winter clothing are now a thing of the past. Aerospace technology makes it possible. Because Sympatex coats the membrane with an ultra-thin layer of aluminium, just a few nanometres thick. smooth surface of the membrane has tremendous heat-reflecting properties, reflecting up to 75% of the body's own warmth. This renders additional layers of insulation superfluous - and gives you more freedom of movement. This makes Sympatex Reflexion the perfect solution for increased wearer comfort.


Structure of the Sympatex Reflexion laminate

layers

Effective protection against the cold
 

jacket

Comparison of thermal images with and without Sympatex Reflexion

 

USES

Ideal application for light jackets, footwear, accessories, active sports and protective workwear.

Sympatex reflexion is an excellent finish quality for all current Sympatex laminates - from WINDMASTER* to Sympatex, and on to PERFORMANCE and PROFESSIONAL.

*Not 100% waterproof, because it is not seam-sealed.



SYMPATEX REFLEXION: A NEW DEFINITION OF THERMAL INSULATION

Sympatex Reflexion's new manufacturing technique allows us to thermally fuse together two membrane layers of any desired shape or size - without having to use toxic glues. It is functional and ecological and therefore satisfies the highest demands.

  • Improved thermal insulation thanks to metallised membrane
  • Avoiding thick insulation layers allows lightweight designs and more freedom of movement

Optimal Breathability

The compact membrane ensures  maximum  breathability based on a physical  and chemical  principle.  The hydrophilic components of  the  Sympatex membrane absorb moisture from the body  and expel it again through evaporation. This physicochemical effect increases when the temperature and moisture difference between the sides of the membranes gets more pronounced. The greater the difference between inside and outside, the more moisture the membrane will transport. This means that its effectiveness increases when required.
Moisture transport through the non-porous, hydrophilic Sympatex membrane Sympatex consists of a copolymer com- posed of  polyester  (hydrophobic,  shown in red) and polyether (hydrophilic, shown in white). The polyether ensures that the water vapour  (shown in  blue)  is  trans- ported outwards.

Moisture Vapour Transfer Rate (MVTR):
ASTM E-96 BW (Inverted Cup) 6,450 g/sq. m/24hr
ASTM E-96 (Upright Cup) 500 g/sq. m/24hr

  
 
 
 
 
 
 

100 % waterproof

Sympatex membranes exceed the waterproof levels required by official standards.  Depending on the carrier material used in connection with the membrane, they  can withstand  the pressure  of a water column  of up  to 25 metres  – meaning they  are well-equipped  to  cope with  continuous  heavy  rain. And the membrane remains 100 % waterproof after washing or dry-cleaning.

  

100 % windproof

The Sympatex membrane is 100 % windproof. This  feature is all-important when it comes to combating wind chill – the apparent cold air temperature  that a  person feels  when ex- posed to wind. An athlete exposed to gusts of approximately 25 km / h at an outside  temperature  of +5 °C will  sense  a temperature of –6 °C. The higher the wind speed, the lower the perceived temperature. This takes its toll on performance. To  prevent  the adverse  ef fects  of wind chill, the Sympatex membrane has been designed to be 100 % windproof.

 
waterproof

Influence of wind speed on the temperature felt at constant out- side temperatures  of 5 °C.

windproof

Ecology  guaranteed

The Sympatex membrane is made of fully recyclable polyether ester  that poses no health risks whatsoever, making it 100 % eco- and skin-friendly. The material is made of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen – components which are completely  biodegradable  and leave  no toxic residue, meaning that Sympatex is every bit as recyclable as a PET bottle. This unique benefit is one reason why the Sympatex membrane has been awarded bluesign®    certification and Oeko-Tex Standard 100. The bluesign®   standard assures maximum freedom from pollutants as well as safe and resource-friendly manufacturing. Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is a testing and certification system that guarantees that garments do not pose any risk to wearer health.

Tested  and  certified

Quality is the number one priority for Sympatex. In order to assure consistent top performance, we strictly adhere to a set of self-imposed rules. All products featuring Sympatex membranes and inserts are produced exclusively by licensed partners. We provide our worldwide licensees with training and support on best production practices, manufacturing processes,  patents and test procedures. And we test their products for workmanship, waterproof and windproof characteristics, breathability and durability at our own Sympatex laboratories. To ensure the products are 100 % waterproof, all seams are sealed with original Sympatex tape.