Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is an environmentally friendly, high-performance material that offers a wide range of useful characteristics. TPU film and sheet are ideally suited to fabric lamination, providing designers with cost-effective waterproof breathable fabrics that can be incorporated into many products. TPU fabric laminates can also be heat sealed together, providing a strong and durable finish. TPU is an ideal option for creating products that will be exposed to harsh outdoor conditions, as well as indoor applications such as garments and bags.
Waterproof breathable TPU fabric is constructed by bonding a TPU membrane to a base textile like nylon or polyester. The membrane consists of billions of microscopic pores that are smaller than a drop of water, but bigger than a molecule of moisture vapor. While water in liquid form cannot pass through the membrane, moisture vapor can easily escape. The TPU fabric is also highly durable and resists abrasion, punctures and chemicals.
The TPU membrane provides a protective barrier that can be used to make tents and other outdoor gear. TPU is a lightweight material that offers excellent resistance to water and wind, making it an excellent choice for camping and other outdoor activities. TPU is also a fire retardant, meeting the CPAI-84 standard, which is an important consideration for safety apparel.
Unlike PVC, TPU is a more environmentally friendly material. While it does not last as long as some other plastics, it will not degrade when exposed to sunlight or other environmental factors. Moreover, TPU is not as toxic to human skin as some other plastics, which makes it an excellent choice for use in clothing.
Breathable waterproof TPU fabric is available in a variety of colors and weights, making it easy to find a material that suits your needs. It is also available in a variety of finishes, such as matte and glossy. In addition, it can be laminated with other materials to create unique and functional products.
TPU fabrics are often advertised with a “g/m2/24 hrs” rating, which indicates how much water vapor can pass through a square meter of the fabric in 24 hours. These ratings are not standardized from brand to brand, so it is important to compare numbers with caution. However, most brands will provide a full list of fabric specs that will give you more information about the performance of the fabric.
TPU is an excellent choice for a variety of outdoor clothing and accessories, including jackets, pants, vests, hats, gloves, boots and more. It can withstand abrasion, punctures and tears, while remaining soft and comfortable. In addition, it is highly water resistant and able to resist chemicals and detergents. TPU fabrics can also be incorporated into medical and safety wear, such as dry suits and survival gear. They are also capable of withstanding rough outdoor conditions, such as rain and snow. TPU fabrics are also an excellent choice for a variety of industrial and commercial applications, such as tubing, caster wheels, mobile outer cases, inflatable rafts and more.

