What process do manufacturers use to make fabrics water-proof. I kinda understand it, but I need a detailed process of how they do it.How is a fabric made water-proof or water-repellent?
There are several methods. 1) Coating, commonly done on synthetic fabrics on one side, like coated nylon. Typical coating is now polyurethane, sprayed on one side and allowed to cure. Oilcloth (fabric soaked in linseed oil that was allowed to polymerize) and waxed cotton are earlier technologies. DWR coatings (Durable Water Repellancy) are typically light coatings of various materials that still allow some water transmission. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durable_Wat鈥?/a>
2) Laminating a semi-permeable membrane between two fabrics, like Goretex. The pores in the membrane are big enough to let water vapor through, but not liquid water. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gore-Tex
3) Closely woven or knit fabrics, particularly those with a pile of a fiber that doesn't soak up water are water resistant -- they make good coats for a drizzle, but won't protect you in a heavy rain.
http://www.maldenmills.com/contentmgr/sh鈥?/a>
Question for you to think about... polyester is hydrophobic, nylon hydrophilic. Why are so many water repellent fabrics based on a nylon substrate?
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