Breathable water-based synthetics

Great design freedom in various applications

Under the trade name AQUAIR®, Trans-Textil GmbH presents highly breathable coated textiles to the market based on purely aqueous and solvent-free formula components from Covestro. In a joint and exclusive development, the two companies laid the foundations for a functional product line, which also focuses on ecological aspects.

"The microporous structure of 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, color and technical properties".

Polyurethane advantage

"The polyurethane coating is particularly abrasion-resistant and breathable, but in combination with membrane systems from Trans-Textil, it can also be made waterproof and windproof", adds Thomas Michaelis, coated textiles expert at Covestro. "It was developed based on our sustainable water-based INSQIN® technology, which also means that the production of coated textiles requires up to 95% less water and 50% less energy than previous solvent-based processes." As a result, this technology has been 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 a 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 multilayer composites.

In combination with Trans-Textil´s technologies, the water-based and solvent-free polyurethane dispersions of the Impranil® and Impraperm® series developed by Covestro enable unprecedented breathable properties with a level of comfort and functionality that far exceeds the standard coated textiles. Water-repellent properties are already integrated into the materials meaning that no additional finish with harmful substances, such as perfluorinated and polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs) is required.

 Versatile use in shoes, clothing for outdoor activities, leisure, sports and furniture segments

AQUAIR® can thus be used to design shoe components, leisure, sports and outdoor clothing, bags and accessories, in addition to upholstery and furniture. The flexible combination with other functional layers focuses on the application requirements, as well as the technical and design demands of customers, even for small series or samples. Production as a roll material is the basis for optimal use of the material in ready-made clothing.

As a component designed to increase the comfort of the shoes, the high water vapor permeability of AQUAIR® contributes to the active regulation of the microclimate inside the shoe. Its permeability is preserved even in combination with a waterproof functional membrane system, which Trans-Textil also offers as an option for water-based products.

The washable technology ensures the greatest possible freedom of movement in clothes, due to its high degree of elasticity. As covers for furniture, the products are not only recommended for abrasion resistance, but also for reduced perspiration in the seat and backrest areas, stain resistance and easy care.

AQUAIR® can also
be laminated with foam for upholstery if required. This results in textile-based multi-layer systems with high standards of performance and ecology.

Reliable seam sealing

In addition, both companies have also developed sealing tapes (with water-based PU adhesive) for all types of laminates. TOPAZ tapes provide superior waterproofing and allow constant use in high-quality functional textile, for example, 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. One of its main characteristics is the resistance in industrial washing at temperatures of up to 60o C.

INSPIRAMAIS WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN AUGUST 25 AND 27
 

Between August 25 and 27, INSPIRAMAIS - Design and Material Innovations for Fashion Exhibit will take place.

Unique of its kind in Latin America, INSPIRAMAIS is known as a reference for the fashion market and is responsible for driving the creative process of the entire clothing, textile, footwear, furniture, automotive, accessories and jewelry industry in Latin America - bringing together information that unifies the language and methodology for the entire fashion production chain.  This year, the edition chose to maintain the entire structure of projects and releases that mark the over 10 years of activity in the digital format, and promises to be the biggest online experience in the fashion segment for the entire Brazilian and international fashion industry.

INSPIRAMAIS is a great source of references for fashion designers from many countries, receiving participation of professionals and companies from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, the United States, Colombia, Argentina, Bolivia, Italy, France, England and Asian countries and the African continent.

INSPIRAMAIS has promotion from Associação Brasileira de Empresas de Componentes para Couro, Calçados e Artefatos [Brazilian Association of Leather, Footwear and Artifact Components Companies] (Assintecal), Centro das Indústrias de Curtume do Brasil [Brazilian Tannery Industries Center] (CICB), Associação Brasileira das Indústrias do Mobiliário [Brazilian Association of Furniture Industries] (Abimóvel), Agência Brasileira de Promoção de Exportações e Investimentos [Brazilian export and investment promotion agency] (Apex-Brasil), through the By Brasil, Components, Machinery and Chmicals project and support from some of the country's main sector entities and partners, such as Abest, Abiacav, Abicalçados, In-Mod, IBGM, Instituto By Brasil (IBB), ABVTEX, Francal, Ápice, Guia Jeans Wear, Abrafati and Trans Rubber.