Membrane - what is it? Biological membrane: functions and structure. What is a membrane and how not to make a mistake in choosing What is a membrane in a cell

Membrane- this is perhaps the main material in tourism, which causes heated debate more than others. Most likely this happens because this word is used in many other areas: from astronautics to medicine, and there is a little confusion. But in our case, the membrane is a material that is designed to protect tourists and travelers from external weather conditions and at the same time remove fumes from the inside of the product to the outside, or simply “Breathe”. We will try to use the word “breathe” less often, because it is precisely because of its misinterpretation that the membrane has become overgrown with many misconceptions.

The easiest way to imagine what a membrane is is as follows: take the most ordinary piece of polyethylene and make a thin needle with a dozen holes in it - that's all! We have a simple membrane in our hands. Like any membrane, ours has two main characteristics: water resistance and vapor permeability, and it’s pretty easy to understand what’s what. Let's put a leaky polyethylene on a flask with water. By inverting the flask and observing whether water flows through, we will find out the water resistance of our membrane. And if we boil the water in the flask and observe how much steam comes out through the holes, we will measure the vapor permeability.

Such a simple example allows us to understand the following: Membrane is the same material as base tissues, only with a different structure and chemical composition. That is, it does not have any mechanical valves that open for sweat and close from the outside from the rain (many will find this ridiculous, but after working for many years in the store, I assure you, this is not the most exotic version yet). And the second, important thing: the real membrane, like our piece of polyethylene, does not have a side - it works in both directions in the same way! This means that a drop of sweat from the inside will also not pass through the jacket, just as a drop of rain will not pass from the outside. At the same time, water vapor from the surrounding atmosphere can pass through the membrane storm in the same way as evaporation from the body goes through it.

I think I've written enough to understand that the membrane is not a magical substance that magically protects you from bad weather and instantly removes excess moisture to the outside. And now, quite naturally, the question arises: “Does the membrane work at all, and do we need it?” The answer is unequivocal - it works, and yes, it is much more comfortable with it! You don't think that the millions of dollars spent on developing hundreds of types of membranes went into needles and polyethylene, do you? I am sure not, so we will continue to talk only about modern technologies.

Membrane characteristics

As I wrote above, membranes are characterized by two main indicators: water resistance and vapor permeability. Let's analyze them in more detail.

Water resistance is the height of the water column that the membrane can withstand without getting wet. It is measured in millimeters, or another unit of measurement is used - PSI (Pounds per Square Inch - pounds of weight per square inch). All materials with a PSI value over 25 are considered to be waterproof, and a value from 1 to 24 PSI indicates water resistance of materials. We already got acquainted with this characteristic in the first article on basic materials.

And most importantly for us: the higher this indicator, the better. Only if you are not engaged in extreme tourism, it is unlikely that you should overpay for a tent with a membrane fabric of 20,000 mm.

Vapor permeability. If the meaning of this characteristic is well understood, then you can get confused in numbers and measurements, and unscrupulous manufacturers are happy to use this, indicating a huge number, indicating sometimes sad test results.

The general essence of all tests is to measure the following indicator: the amount of water in grams that will evaporate from a square meter of fabric in 24 hours (g / m2 / 24h). The indicator is abbreviated as MVTR (moisture vapor transmission rate - moisture vapor transmission rate). But how this indicator is obtained is a topic for a separate article, which we will not delve into (for those who want to do this, I recommend an article published on the website of the clothing manufacturer - Sivera). In short, the whole set of tests, one way or another, is carried out in laboratories, under certain conditions that are very different from real operation. And the most unpleasant thing for the end user is that the result of one of the tests can be an impressive number that does not reflect the essence. This value will be written on the label, and you and I will only have to trust the manufacturer. However, it is worth saying that the test labeled MVTR B2 is considered the most universal method.

Summarizing the above, I would like to say that the vapor permeability indicators on product labels should not be taken too critically. It is better to learn more about the purpose of the purchased equipment and try to choose only products from well-established manufacturers. Beware of fakes, there are a lot of them, especially the most famous brands like The North Face or Marmot. The membrane is a technologically complex thing and it physically cannot be cheap, if it is not polyethylene with holes, of course.

Membrane layers

The membrane itself is a very fragile and thin sheet of material, which in the final product must necessarily be applied to another material. It happens that the membrane in liquid form is applied to the base, in which case they speak of a membrane coating. The way in which a sheet of the finished membrane is attached to the material gives a new name - laminate.

Allocate three main types membrane designs:

Double layer, in which the membrane is protected only from the outside - marked as 2L. This method is good for saving weight and high vapor permeability, however, the inside is still protected by a lining, most often from a mesh. It is also used in clothes with an inner insulating layer.

Two and a half layers– 2.5L. As in the first case, the material has two layers, but a protective layer of non-woven material is additionally applied to the inside. Products made from such membranes are very light and compact.

3 layer construction or 3L, which means that the membrane is protected with cloth on both sides. The main advantage of such a sandwich is the maximum wear resistance of the membrane.

Almost always, the top layer of any of the structures is covered with water-repellent coatings or DWR.

Types of membranes

Hydrophobic or porous membranes. If we take our piece of polyethylene again, then it just can be classified as a “pore membrane”. That is, the material has millions of microscopic pores through which vapor molecules pass, but water drops do not pass. Only a real hydrophobic membrane is made not like us, from polyethylene, but from Teflon or polyurethane. However, these very pores become clogged over time and the material significantly loses its breathable properties. In addition, most pore membranes are not very elastic, that is, it is problematic to find “stretch” suits from it.

Hydrophilic or non-porous membranes. This type of material no longer has open pores through which steam would pass; instead, the fabric absorbs moisture and transports it to the opposite side. And here it is worth remembering that the membrane as such does not have an inner and outer side - it is the same, and there are no arrows in it that indicate the direction in which moisture needs to move. The transport of water molecules occurs due to the so-called moisture gradient. That is, moisture from the body, falling on the inner layer of clothing, begins to be absorbed into the fabric, passes from layer to layer to the opposite side and, falling on the outer part of the product, evaporates. If the humidity outside is very high, then the efficiency of moisture removal of such a membrane is significantly reduced. The chemical composition is most often polyurethane or polyester.

Combined membranes. Probably, trying to get rid of the shortcomings of porous and non-porous membranes, the manufacturers came up with the idea of combining them: that is, a continuous layer of polyurethane is applied to the layer of the hydrophobic membrane. This layer is much thinner than classic non-porous fabrics and is designed to protect the more fragile structure of the pore top layer.

Which membrane to choose?

As always, there is no single answer. Each type of membrane is suitable for certain conditions, so let's highlight the main pros and cons of the three types of membranes.

Pore

+

high efficiency of steam removal in conditions of high humidity and at low temperatures.
good breathability
excellent water resistance performance

-

low elasticity
easy to get dirty
requires special care

Non-porous

+

excellent breathability
unpretentiousness
elasticity
good water resistance performance

-

do not perform well in high humidity and low temperatures.

Combined

They have the same advantages as the previous ones, but there are also disadvantages of the non-porous layer, although to a much lesser extent due to the thinner layer of polyurethane.

About firms

At first glance, it seems that the number of manufacturers is simply unrealistic, since the list of names is huge. But in reality, it turns out that not so many companies produce high-quality membranes. The fact is that many brands that make clothes order membranes that are essentially the same and come up with their own names for them. For example, the widely advertised Teaxapore membrane of the German company JackWolfskin is nothing more than the long-known Entrant fabric of the Japanese company Toray, they also work closely with the American company Marmot and produce the Marmot MemBrain membrane.

Speaking of membrane companies, it is impossible not to say about Gore-tex, but rather “W. L. Gore & Associates because Gor-tex is just one of the fabrics they make. Yes, and Gor-tex has a dozen more articles with different characteristics. By the way, Gore-tex was the first to use the combined membrane technology, thereby establishing itself as an industry leader for many years.

Another interesting membrane is eVent. Its peculiarity is that although it is a porous membrane, its fibers are covered with polyurethane; while at the same Gore-tex polyurethane is applied in a continuous layer on the main film. This greatly increases the breathability of the fabric. eVent is a rather expensive material and, moreover, there are difficulties with gluing seams on products made from this membrane, as a result, the price of the final product is quite high.

You can delve into the names and technologies used for a long time, but, as it seems to me, the real qualities of products made from membrane fabric can only be learned from personal experience. A lot of factors affect the behavior of the membrane in different conditions, and what is ideal for one person will not be at all like another. With experience, you yourself will understand what points to pay more attention to, and what you can close your eyes to. For the very first purchases, as always, I advise you to listen to the descriptions and advice of the clothing and equipment manufacturers themselves. Believe me, they do a very great job of designing and building models and all this for you and me. Of course, their goal is to earn money, but self-respecting brands are primarily aimed at long-term friendship with us, so do not be afraid to trust those whose profession is to create comfortable conditions in the toughest and most unpredictable situations.

In custody

The membrane is a great thing with which your hobbies will become much more comfortable! Just do not forget that this is not a magical shell. In any case, a person sweats - this is a natural process - the membrane only helps to evaporate this moisture to the outside. And, at the same time, not every membrane windbreaker can withstand many hours under a torrential downpour. But it will be a much more comfortable watch than if you were climbing uphill in a rubber, absolutely waterproof raincoat. Many skeptics will dissuade you with shouts, there is nothing cooler than a tarpaulin, but I persuade you to try and not be skeptical, but try to understand your feelings and form your own opinion about the membrane.

I hope this article will be useful to you, but in the next one, we will talk about heaters. More travels and see you soon!

The membrane resolved a controversial issue. How to get breathable, water-repellent clothing. What's the secret? The fact is that each pore of the membrane is so small that it will not let a drop of water through itself, but the pore is large enough to remove, finer in structure, vapor from the body. By combining different types of membranes and related fabrics, manufacturers create clothing with unique properties for different applications.

In membrane clothing, 4 main areas for use can be distinguished:

for cardio (running, cycling);
for mountaineering;
everyday wear, tourism, hunting, fishing;
for classic winter sports - skiing, snowboarding.

It is this classification that narrows the scope of the choice of membrane clothing and allows you not to get lost in the sea of proposals. To find out which group of goods to focus on, at the time of purchase, read the catalogs of manufacturers or use the advice of sellers. And proceed to the next stage - the selection of optimal characteristics.

Water resistance and vapor permeability

It is water resistance and vapor permeability that characterize the main properties of the membrane. Water resistance is especially important if you plan to play sports in bad weather conditions. It is calculated using special devices that simulate a water column. The more water pressure the membrane fabric can withstand, the better it will protect its owner.

These 2 indicators can be indicated on clothing labels. Water resistance in mm of water column and vapor permeability in MVTR or RET. More on this below.

In some cases, the manufacturer only specifies the scope of the product, without specifying the MVTR or RET.

Water resistance

The water resistance index is grouped as follows:

more than 20,000 mm - clothing is suitable for use during a storm, a downpour with a strong wind;
10000-20000 mm - withstands heavy rain or heavy rain;
5000-10000 mm - moderate rain;
1000-5000 mm - light rain, fog;
<1000 мм – только ветрозащитные свойства.

Despite the variation in water resistance, manufacturers often offer a membrane with the highest protective properties. In this way, as if guaranteeing their customers comfort during any bad weather.

For lovers of hiking, fishing and hunting, are produced .

Vapor permeability

Vapor permeability in membrane clothing is much more significant than water resistance. It is she who is responsible for comfort during active physical exertion, when the body produces steam that needs to be removed quickly and efficiently.

To calculate vapor permeability, 2 main methods are used:

MVTR involves testing samples for the ability to pass water vapor through the fabric. The resulting indicator is recorded as X g / m2 / 24 hours, with an X value of more than 13000 - extremely breathable clothes, from 6000 to 13000 - perfectly breathable, below 6000 - clothes with a moderate ability to remove steam.
RET- the reverse technique, which calculates how the fabric resists the release of steam. It was originally used by Gore-Tex. The vapor permeability scale according to the RET method looks like this: from 0-6 - nothing prevents the release of steam, extremely breathable fabric, 6-13 - excellent breathability, 13-20 - fabric with moderately breathable properties, more than 20 - the fabric does not breathe.

The vapor permeability indicators calculated by 2 methods are not always identical. This is due to the testing conditions in different research centers.

In view of this, some manufacturers indicate both values \u200b\u200bon the tag, others only the indicator calculated using one method, others may not give specific values to the consumer at all (in order to avoid comparing clothes with competitors' products by only one indicator).

What level of vapor permeability to choose

High vapor permeability is especially important for active physical activity. If you plan to wear membrane clothing only while walking, a vapor permeability index of 6-10 RET is quite sufficient.

Types of membranes by structure and purpose

The membrane is a very thin film with tiny holes. It is able to pass steam coming from the body and at the same time remain resistant to moisture from the outside, not letting even small particles of water through.

This is what membrane tissue looks like under a microscope with a pore

The structure of the membrane plays an important role in its operation and even in the line of operation.

What types exist

Non-porous- they do not work directly, since the steam first settles on the inner surface of the membrane, and then gradually evaporates under pressure. Porous-free membranes are durable and non-capricious in care;
Pore- very well "breathing" membranes, but require careful care;
Combined- combines the characteristics of both porous and non-porous membranes. This type is used by all leading manufacturers;
eVent- a new class in membranes, manufacturers "taught" the pore membrane to repel dirt and grease, thereby endowing it with greater durability.

Overview of the druft jacket with eVent membrane

The purpose of the membranes is also different:

Windproof- usually work in conjunction with a fleece (polartec) fabric, on which a layer of water-repellent impregnation is applied. Such clothing is optimal for use during the off-season, it warms well and can withstand light rain. All windproof membranes are durable, inexpensive and easy to maintain.
Wind- and waterproof– a classic in the membrane industry. They are designed to operate even during bad weather conditions. They have good water-repellent and windproof properties, while retaining the ability to breathe. These membranes are expensive and whimsical to maintain.

Membrane Protector Fabrics

The membrane (due to its thinness) in clothing is always covered by fabric, which must first withstand the blow from wind, rain or snowfall.

Mesh inner lining for protection.

Its properties are influenced by such indicators:

Fiber type- These are synthetic materials nylon or polyester. They have approximately the same properties, but nylon is more durable, and polyester is cheaper and warmer. In rare cases, elastic materials are used in membrane clothing, since the membrane is very sensitive to stretching.
Thread thickness and weight- this indicator is designated as Den or D (denier) and is calculated as the weight of 9 km of the designated thread. High denier fabrics are very strong and quite heavy.
Density– calculated in g/m2. High rates always characterize heavy, dense fabric.

Each manufacturer is always looking for an ideally lightweight, durable and at the same time inexpensive fabric. But in practice, you always have to find a compromise between the weight of the product and strength.

If you do not plan to conquer mountain peaks, but choose clothes to wear in city mode or short hikes, inexpensive membrane jackets are quite suitable. They have sufficient density, moderate weight and reasonable price.

For mountaineering and freeride only heavy-duty and lightweight materials are suitable, which are tested for resistance to friction and tearing. These fabrics are very expensive, which affects the final cost of products.

If you are doing long hikes, make sure that the membrane jacket is durable, as the straps of the backpack create friction during movement and can damage both the fabric itself and the membrane.

For aerobic exercise a lightweight fabric with moderate strength is ideal. However, it is desirable to move in such clothes on a terrain without obstacles.

Methods for connecting the membrane to tissue

In order for the membrane and tissue to work in one bundle, they are connected. Outer fabric - membrane - inner lining. It turns out such a kind of sandwich.

How does it work:

2-layer materials (2L or 2-layer) - are obtained simply by attaching the membrane to the inside of the fabric. This method has a significant drawback - the membrane wears out quickly, since it is not covered by anything from the inside. Sometimes manufacturers add a conditional 3rd layer in this scheme - a lining in the form of a mesh or soft fabric, but it does not serve as a full-fledged protection for the membrane.
2.5-layer materials (2.5L or 2.5-layer) are very similar to 2-layer materials, only the function of covering the membrane is performed not by a mesh, but by a special coating. This membrane fastening scheme preserves the flexibility and durability of the membrane.
3-layer materials (3L or 3-layer) - a kind of monolith of fabric, membrane and lining. Clothing with this type of membrane fastening is quite heavy, inflexible, but benefits from a long service life.

Brief educational program on labeling fabrics with heat-saving properties

Designations:

Soft Shell - especially soft, comfortable, flexible material;
Windbloc, Windtec - products with these designations perfectly protect against wind, but do not guarantee water-repellent properties;
Windstopper - an improved line of clothing from Gore with good wind protection;
Polartec Thermal Pro is a good warming material, in fact, a slightly improved polartec;
Polartec Wind Pro - warming material with excellent windproof function, can protect from light rain;
Polartec 200 is one of the most popular thermal jacket materials;
Resist Techno Soft Shell is the newest material on the membrane clothing market, it warms perfectly, has increased breathability. Suitable for active sports;
Rip Stop - a fabric with a special weave structure, therefore durable and wear-resistant;
Gore-Tex is the first patented membrane in the world;
Sympatex - German high-tech membrane, which is used in clothing and footwear;
eVent - advanced pore membrane, ideal for extreme sports clothing;
ComforTex is a membrane from an Italian manufacturer with wind and water repellency.

Pay attention to the features of the cut

Manufacturers are no less scrupulous about the sewing process than they are about the selection of fabric and the type of membrane. If the model does not fit perfectly on the figure, the whole point of membrane clothing will come to naught.

At the first stage, fashion designers prepare a pattern. It should take into account the main nuances of future physical activity. Everything is important here: from calculating the seam allowance to the width of the elastic bands on the cuffs.

For greater functionality in clothing, the places most subject to wear are compacted, making the basis of the product from lighter materials. This allows you to reduce the cost, while maintaining the quality and lightness of the finished garment.

On overalls and trousers, the bottom of the legs, knees and buttocks are sealed. In jackets, thickening is done on the elbows, cuffs, and shoulders. It is membrane clothing that is characterized by the displacement of the shoulder and seams on the back - this allows you to reduce the friction of the backpack during long hikes.

In general, membrane clothing is not a place for model delights, so manufacturers produce 3 main types of cut:

Athletic- designed for intense physical activity (running, cycling). Assumes a perfect fit on the figure (it, accordingly, must also be taut). Clothing of this cut repeats the curves of the body as much as possible, only thin thermal underwear and a fitted fleece jacket can be worn under it.
Regular fit is more versatile. It allows you to put on thermal underwear and a second, denser insulating layer. It is comfortable to stay in clothes of this tailoring for a long time, it does not constrain movements. Suitable for hiking, walking and other non-intense movements.
Loose fit modeled specifically for use in unstable climates. Under such clothes, you can wear a different number of warming layers. It will suit even people with not ideal physique. But the main purpose of a free cut is to use it during expeditions, long hikes and for low-active sports.

All the subtleties are in the details. An important point when choosing

Membrane clothing is a kind of standard in textile production. She does not tolerate crooked lines and even worse fittings. But for its good functionality, a “reliable rear” is needed.

What to look for when choosing. On the example of a review of The North Face Men Tethian jacket

Seam sealing

Any sewing needle leaves holes in the fabric. And if in ordinary clothes no one pays attention to them, then in membrane clothes moisture can seep through these holes. To eliminate this defect in all models, the seams are sealed, i.e. glued on top with a special tape.

Ventilation

During active movement, the body heats up quickly. In order to most effectively remove the resulting heat (steam), manufacturers provide additional ventilation. On jackets in the armpit area, and on trousers, zippers are sewn along the inner seam. Sometimes an additional folding pocket can handle the role of additional ventilation, which, however, is appropriate only in lightweight models.

Hood

The upper part of the jacket is one of the most vulnerable places in the whole complex of membrane clothing. Here the hood should keep the protection. For movement in normal weather conditions, models with a simple cut are suitable. They can handle moderate rain and snow quite well. During extreme travel and mountain hiking, the hood should fit well to the helmet. To do this, it is given a more complex shape and provides for several adjustments.

Lightning

Accessories in membrane clothing are used of the highest quality. Despite the fact that in good zippers the teeth fit as closely as possible to each other, in conditions of heavy rain, they can also become vulnerable. In budget clothes, for additional protection, zippers are hidden under a fabric strap. In more modern and expensive models, they are treated with a special polymer. It does not allow water to seep inside, as it has the property of repelling it.

Be sure to check all zippers (not just the main ones) before buying.

It is very difficult to change the snakes (runners) in membrane clothing, since during the repair the tightness of the seams may be broken, and the product will lose its properties.
Check if it is convenient to fasten the zipper with gloves. If it grabs the fabric, no doubt put the item aside. "Playing" with bad lightning during bad weather is not a pleasant occupation.

Pockets

These elements in membrane clothing should be both comfortable and functional. Think about what you will need in an easily accessible place and whether the pockets meet these requirements.

The above features of such clothes are the main ones, but not the only ones.

There are other additional options:

fleece inserts on the inner surface of the jacket / trousers - provide additional protection for the membrane;
flexible visor on the hood - will cover the face from wind, rain or snowfall;
snow skirt - for severe cold weather and mountaineering, not just an additional option, but another main factor in protection.

Who produces

When choosing membrane clothing, the last thing you should pay attention to is the price of the product. By the way, it can be sky-high and more democratic. It all depends on the "fame" of the manufacturer, the quality and type of the membrane, the characteristics of the upper layer of the fabric, etc.

The most famous manufacturers of such clothes:

The North Face is a well-known American brand all over the world. The developers of the company were directly involved in the improvement of the Gore-Tex membrane. One of the main directions is clothing for mountaineering. Now the list of the company's products includes almost the entire arsenal of things for sports and tourism.
Marmot is a North American firm with over 50 years of experience. It produces clothes with a PreCip membrane.
Black Yak - a company originally from Korea, confidently occupies a key position not only in the Asian market, but throughout the world. The main direction is clothes for mountaineering.
Arcteryx - this Canadian brand is well known to all extreme sportsmen. The company has many years of experience, declared itself in the last century and is confidently holding on to the market.
Norrona is a European brand that was the first to launch a jacket with a Gore-Tex type membrane. One of the most recognizable companies in Scandinavia.
Decathlon is a French sportswear manufacturer. Models are easy to pick up, thanks to the available classification. Before going on sale, all products are tested, so the buyer can be sure of the quality of the products. The price of membrane clothing from Decathlon is one of the most affordable.

How to wear

Membrane clothing suggests the presence of allies. To start right. It must match the type of physical activity. If thermal underwear does not cope well with the removal of moisture, the work of subsequent layers is also at risk.
The second layer of clothing - it is also warming - should work in conjunction with thermal underwear and membrane clothing. Choose a fleece jacket, jumper in accordance with the temperature regime. Wear, if necessary, not one, but 2-3 layers (). Membrane clothing itself is the final, 3rd link in the overall complex.

Remember: only a well-thought-out set of clothes will not spoil the overall impression of wearing things with a membrane. If you feel cold or, on the contrary, overheated, try changing your thermal underwear or the second layer.

Having bought membrane clothes, be sure. So you extend the life of things and thereby minimize one of the main disadvantages of the membrane - high cost and fragility.

Membrane clothing has both a large number of its adherents and those who do not recognize it and trust ordinary things. The former are always up to date with new products, while the latter are lured by manufacturers with an interesting cut, bright combinations and even promotional offers. So, this type of clothing is gradually gaining a place on the market, in our closets, and does it more than confidently, because it is not afraid of fashion trends, global warming, and even more so the weather in the house.

The modern world offers a huge selection of the latest technologies and developments in various fields, and often these innovations can be applied in completely different areas.
One such example is the membrane - a material that was originally used only by manufacturers of clothing and equipment for tourists, athletes, that is, for those who deal with extreme weather conditions, heavy physical exertion, and who need equipment with certain properties.
And today, membrane fabrics are widely used in the light industry for sewing ordinary outerwear, including children's.

Membrane types

What is a membrane? The membrane is a high-tech material that is highly waterproof and yet breathable. There are two types of membranes: hydroporous and hydrophilic.

hydroporous membranes have many microscopic holes, the so-called pores. Pores are many times smaller than a drop of water, so moisture cannot penetrate. And at the same time, water molecules in the form of vapor freely exit through the membrane to the outside.

Membranes of this type are sensitive to dirt, which simply clogs the pores, and over time can become clogged, which negatively affects their properties. But such membranes breathe better than others.

hydrophilic membranes are a fabric on which a film is thermally applied that does not allow water to pass through. At the same time, the fabric remains breathable, because thanks to free chemical bonds, the molecules of evaporating moisture are transferred, as if along a conveyor, from the inside of the film to the outside. Dirt and foreign matter on such a membrane does not affect its vapor permeability, breathability and waterproofing.

Hydrophilic membranes are easier to maintain, but their vapor permeability is lower than that of hydroporous membranes.

How do membranes work in practice?

It is important that we, and even more so our children, feel comfortable in clothes. When we talk about comfort, we mean the microclimate - a thin layer of air between the skin and clothing. We are comfortable when the temperature of this layer is about 32-34 degrees, and the relative humidity is 40-60%. Any deviations are palpable.

Various factors can affect the microclimate: weather conditions, clothing properties, physical activity.

"A cold wind, penetrating through clothes, displaces a layer of warm air around the skin. Clothing made of membrane fabrics is windproof, and this property of it allows you to stay outdoors for a long time in "minus" weather and not freeze.

During physical exertion, our body releases moisture, simply sweats. If this moisture is not removed in a timely manner, it covers the skin with a film and begins to cool at rest and heat up during active movement, causing discomfort. The membrane does not allow moisture to linger inside the clothes, but removes evaporation to the outside, providing proper microcirculation and maintaining the desired humidity and temperature.

Thus, the membrane allows you to keep the usual microclimate as much as possible, namely, a temperature of about 33 degrees and a humidity of about 50% - unchanged. Regardless of the ambient temperature and the level of physical activity. Therefore, both in the heat and in the cold, we feel comfortable in membrane clothing.

How to wear a membrane?

For normal operation of the membrane, the following rules must be observed:

Clothing under the membrane must be made of synthetic or mixed fibers (synthetic content of at least 10-20%), or wool. Remember that excess moisture must be removed from the body, and, for example, 100% cotton is hygroscopic, it absorbs sweat, causing hypothermia. Panties can be left cotton.
Layering: the first layer is underwear, the second layer is insulation, the third layer is actually membrane clothing. Underwear, as we have already found out, should be made of synthetics or with the addition of synthetics. It can be special thermal underwear or just a turtleneck and tights. 100% wool underwear is also allowed - for lovers of natural fabrics, since the market now offers products made from delicate, non-spiky wool.
Warming: at a temperature of minus 5-10 degrees, we begin to warm up, it can be a jumpsuit made of wool or fleece fleece. Membrane clothing: set or overalls. All!
Physical activity: the membrane works in motion. If you are involved in winter sports or even just walking actively, then the membrane is your choice. Buying membrane clothes for children who spend most of the walk sleeping in a stroller is probably premature. A down jacket or clothes with other heaters are more suitable for them.

Membrane Benefits

Membrane clothing has a number of advantages.

She is maintains a constant optimum temperature at about 33 degrees, so you can not be afraid that the child will overheat or freeze. Moreover, this temperature does not depend on how many degrees in the external environment - minus 20 on the street or plus 15 in the car. You can safely enter a shopping center or clinic, just take off your hat.

Membrane clothing non-volumetric, due to its properties and the use of modern heaters. If earlier it was difficult for children in fur coats and cotton pants to move on the street, now even those who have only recently learned to walk can easily move and actively explore the world around them.

Membrane clothing light. This is true both for the kids themselves and for mothers who often pick up children in their arms.

It is enough to have one set of clothes, even if the street is muddy and puddles. Firstly, you can be sure that if you fall into a puddle, your child will remain dry thanks to the waterproof membrane. And secondly, when you come home, it is enough to wash the soiled clothes under running water, wiping with a sponge if necessary, and hang to dry. The membrane dries very quickly. In addition, manufacturers of membrane clothing, in particular, Luhta, design products so that the places most prone to contamination (bottom of trousers, knees, lower back) are made of dark-colored fabric.

Membrane Care

Caring for the membrane is simple, the main thing is to follow simple rules.

In order for your clothes to last for a long time, first of all, when washing and drying, follow the instructions that come with the product.
Wash the membrane either by hand or in the washing machine on a delicate wash at 30 degrees. Use special products for membrane clothing or any liquid ones.
Severe dirt can be pre-washed under running water by rubbing with a sponge.
Before washing in the washing machine, check the pockets, close the zippers and turn the garment inside out.
The membrane is washed without pre-soaking.
Do not use rinse conditioners.
After washing, the product is wrung out by hand without twisting. Let's spin in the washing machine at the lowest speed.
Clothes should be dried in a straightened form at room temperature (never dry membrane clothes on a radiator!).

The word membrane has a number of meanings, but in a general sense, the term means a thin flexible septum, membrane or plate that can perform various functions. In this article we will tell you what a membrane is from the point of view of biology and technology.

Membrane in biology

Membrane (or cell membrane) is an elastic molecular structure whose role is to protect the cell from the environment. The cell membrane ensures its integrity, and is also responsible for the exchange processes between the environment and the cell.

The cell membrane consists of proteins and lipids and has a thickness of about 7 nm. Each "brick" of the membrane is responsible for a specific function of a given cellular organ. Lipids in the membrane are represented by three types - phospholipids, glycolipids and cholesterol.

Phospholipids and glycolipids form hydrophobic and hydrophilic sections (hydrophobic sections are directed inside the cell, and hydrophilic - outward), which regulate the exchange of water and similar molecules between the cell and the environment. Cholesterol stiffens the membrane.

The proteins that make up the membrane can perform many functions, for example, there are transporter proteins that help the necessary substances get into the cell.

Membrane in engineering

The safety membrane is part of the membrane safety device, the task of which is to ensure the necessary discharge of the gas-vapor mixture at a certain pressure. Such devices are used as fuses for process equipment, pipelines, etc.

In the presence of dangerous overloads, the membrane breaks, providing the necessary "discharge", while maintaining the integrity of an expensive and complex technical system.

Look for more interesting concepts in the section.

If you see a kid on the street in a thin-looking jacket and light boots in spring changeable weather, do not rush to accuse parents of inattention to the child's health or the desire to temper him to the level of a walrus. Most likely, he is wearing membrane shoes and clothes that allow you to feel warm and comfortable in the coldest weather, and at the same time do not turn the child into a head of cabbage.

Why did membrane technology in the manufacture of children's clothing and footwear so captivate parents around the world? Let's figure it out!

1. What is a membrane and why is it needed?

Membrane technologies in the manufacture of clothing and footwear were originally used in sports, where it is necessary to provide lightness, comfort and breathability of equipment for athletes. Later, these technologies began to be used for everyday clothes for children and adults.

The membrane is a porous material placed between the outer and inner layers of footwear or clothing. The pores of the membrane are so small that they do not allow moisture, cold or wind to penetrate inside, and at the same time make it possible to remove moisture in the form of steam during sweating. Thus, a comfortable microclimate for the body is created under the membrane clothing, combining protection from external factors and constant air exchange.

High-quality membrane clothes and shoes are made using well-known membranes patented by manufacturers (Gore-Tex®, SympaTex®), also manufacturers of children's membrane clothing use their own developments and technologies. For example, the Skandia brand has Skandiatex membrane material, while Alyaska has Antex & Alaskatex.

Membrane clothing and footwear are multilayer items in which, in addition to the membrane, additional inner and outer layers provide protection from external factors. For example, the outer layer is usually impregnated with a water-repellent composition or laminated with special means, and the inner layers combine natural (for example, woolen) and synthetic fibers for comfort and durability to wear.

In addition, manufacturers usually take care of such trifles as the presence of reflective details on children's membrane clothing, sew in child-safe zippers that will not press the skin when fastened, and provide additional protection for sleeves from cold air with textile cuffs. In children's membrane shoes, comfortable fasteners are usually used so that the baby can put on shoes on his own, as well as non-slip flexible soles for greater safety in ice conditions and reinforced heels and toes to maximize the life of the shoes.

Since initially membrane clothes and shoes were created for athletes and optimally exhibit their properties during active physical activity, children's membrane things are intended primarily for those who move a lot. This does not mean that it is necessary to be in constant active movement in order to get the maximum effect from wearing membrane clothing, but for babies who mostly sit in a stroller during walks, such clothes or shoes are still not very suitable.

Membrane clothes are optimally suited for the temperature range from zero to minus 15-20 degrees. However, both outdoors and indoors, the child will feel comfortable, will not freeze or sweat.

3. How and with what to wear membrane shoes and clothes?

Manufacturers recommend wearing shoes or boots with a membrane over a sock or tights, which should not contain more than 10-20% cotton or wool, or over a thermal sock. This is due to the property of natural fabrics to absorb sweat and not give it away, and membrane shoes are good because they allow the feet to not sweat, removing the vapor molecules to the external environment. Therefore, it is better to give preference to hosiery with a predominance of artificial materials.

With regard to membrane clothing, one should be guided by the three-layer rule: the first layer is thermal underwear, or underwear, which, as in the case of membrane shoes, should contain a minimum of natural materials. The second layer is light, for example, a fleece bike or jacket. The third layer is directly a membrane jacket or overalls.

4. How to distinguish high-quality membrane clothing and shoes? What should be checked before buying?

You will have to pay well for the comfort, lightness and convenience that membrane shoes and clothes are famous for. High-quality membrane children's things cannot be cheap, so the low price of membrane shoes or clothes should alert you. In this case, there is a chance to buy a thing that will not last long and will not bring the expected result.

When buying membrane shoes for a child, you should pay attention to the quality of the sole. It must be flexible and elastic, then such shoes will last a long time. When choosing the right size for shoes with a membrane, you need to take into account that the maximum effect of wearing them is achieved when there is free space inside the shoes. That is, the optimal shoe size will be a margin of 1 cm between the toe of the shoe and the tips of the toes.

When buying children's membrane clothing, pay attention to the quality of the seams. in high-quality clothing, the seams are additionally glued for a greater water-repellent effect.

5.How to take care of membrane clothes and shoes?

Since things made using membrane technology are not cheap, you need to take care of their safety in their original form. Moreover, the properties of membrane clothing or shoes are fully manifested only while maintaining the integrity of the membrane and observing the conditions of wear.

Prerequisites for maintaining the protective properties of membrane shoes are cleanliness and dryness. Despite the fact that manufacturers additionally treat the top layer with protective agents, it is recommended to additionally impregnate membrane shoes with special compounds, especially in urban areas, where water, dirt and salt aggressively affect shoes.

After a walk, be sure to clean and wipe the shoes, and then dry them thoroughly. However, membrane shoes should not be dried near a radiator or heater, as this can destroy the membrane. The best option is to dry at room temperature, stuffing tightly with newspapers beforehand.

It is advisable to wash membrane clothing as infrequently as possible so that water-repellent impregnations, in many cases DWR (Durable Water Reppelence), applied to the top layer of clothing, do not wash out. With minor contamination, it is better to wait until the stain dries, and brush off the dirt with a brush or wipe it with a damp sponge, without rubbing the dirt into the fabric. If you need to wash clothes often, it is better to take care of additional protection of the upper layers, using special spray formulations after washing (for example, the English company NikWax is known for its line of water-repellent sprays for treating membrane clothing).

Membrane materials cannot stand washing temperatures above 40 degrees, and even more so boiling. Aggressive chemicals (stain removers, solvents, washing powders with special additives) can destroy the membrane, as well as break the tightness of the glued seams of clothing.

Manufacturers do not recommend ironing membrane clothing. However, if necessary, you can use the lowest temperature and ensure minimal contact of the iron with the material so that the membrane does not have time to heat up.

6. What companies are represented in our country? Where can I buy membrane clothes and shoes in Belarus?

Children's clothing and shoes with a membrane are presented in a wide range in high-tech clothing and footwear stores from Finland for children and teenagers SuomiKids. The company is the official representative of Finnish manufacturers Reima, Kerry in Belarus.

Also, the membrane is in the collections of the Czech trademark Alpine Pro, the German company Jack Wolfskin. The companies offer winter and demi-season overalls, trousers and jackets.

In Belarus, membrane shoes can also be found in the collections of such shoe manufacturers for the whole family as Ecco (using the Gore-Tex® membrane), Alaska Original (own development - Antex & Alaskatex membrane), a large selection of children's membrane shoes is offered by the Kotofey trademark and BARTEK. To purchase membrane clothing or footwear in Belarus, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the assortment in domestic online stores, where almost all of the listed brands are represented. There is also information in which stores or shopping centers you can try on and buy your favorite model.

Summarizing…

... note that high-quality membrane clothing and shoes are primarily suitable for active children, they will cost a lot and require special care, but at the same time they are comfortable, light and perfect for walking in our climate with a quick change in weather conditions.

Olga Bobko

Membrane types

There are several types of membrane tissue: porous, non-porous, combined.

How do pore membranes work? Water, getting on membrane clothes, cannot penetrate into it, since the pores of the fabric are too small. Accordingly, the fabric does not get wet from the outside. A fair question arises: "What about sweat secretions?". They are freely brought out from the inside of the membrane tissue.

It is worth noting that such a membrane, like any breathing organism, “dies” relatively quickly. For example, when choosing the wrong washing mode, the pores of the membrane become clogged, which leads to a decrease in the breathability of the garment and loss of waterproofness.

In non-porous membranes, vapors enter the inner part of the membrane and, through active diffusion, quickly pass to the outer side of the membrane clothing. Such membranes do not need special care, and they are able to please you for more than one year. However, it is worth saying that some happy owners of such clothes, due to evaporation, sometimes have the feeling that the fabric is still getting wet. But it's not!

The most ideal is considered to be a fabric with a combined membrane, which is covered with a porous membrane on the inside. However, this magical clothing also has a significant disadvantage - its high price.

About a special relationship with membrane shoes ...

It is worth emphasizing that you should not wait for perfectly dry shoes after running through puddles or snowdrifts. Since the membrane protects not the shoes, but the child's legs from water. The water remains trapped inside the fabric, and the most reasonable solution in this case is, of course, proper drying.

It is important to know that steam removal will be faster in warm and dry weather than in wet and damp. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that on a very rainy autumn day, after a walk, the child’s legs may not be dry enough - the difference between the internal microclimate and external conditions was not large enough and the steam removal rate decreased. But if the child runs, the temperature and humidity inside the shoes increase and push the moisture out more and more. This suggests the conclusion that such shoes are not recommended for babies who still move little or even sit in a stroller.

In order for the membrane to "breathe", you need to monitor the condition of the shoes - the upper textile layer covered with dirt blocks evaporation. Special sprays will help in the care of such shoes, which will not only increase the water-repellent properties of the fabric, but also protect it from pollution.

What are the top experts saying?

It would be nice to ask advice from mothers who already have such clothes or shoes in their child's wardrobe. Where are you most likely to meet moms and dads on a sunny day? That's right, the playground! Of the eleven mothers, two had the experience of "communication" with such clothes and one mother - with shoes.

Lena, mother of 4-year-old Liza:

“To be honest, when we bought a membrane jacket for the first time, we doubted its magical properties, it seemed to us thin then. We even made sure and bought another down jacket, just in case. But they didn't wear it. The membrane was worn at 0 degrees on a T-shirt, and at -20 - on a baechka. It is important that the dirt on such clothes is removed with an ordinary napkin. And this means that you can safely buy your favorite light shades and not worry that you will have to go to the garden for a child with a spare jacket: it’s a shame to go home, and even more so to go to the store, to visit in grimy clothes.

Ira, mother of Maxim and Vlad, 3 and 7 years old:

“The membrane jumpsuit is just a godsend! Remember how mothers and grandmothers wrapped us in brown fur coats, and also tied a scarf on top. Here it was difficult to sit on the sled, let alone climb the hill. And it was not possible to undress at all. A membrane jumpsuit - light, comfortable, warm, beautiful. My son rides in it all the time. The child never woke up. It even seems to me that we began to get sick less, as we bought our favorite light green jumpsuit. In a word, I am satisfied with the purchase!

Marina, mother of 4-year-old Yegor:

“We have sneakers with a membrane. We are wearing it for the second season. The child likes it. I am satisfied. Feet are always dry, regardless of the temperature outside. Unlike leather shoes, the child never complains of cold feet. The appearance has not yet been lost, I think that the second child will also be able to vilify. Moreover, the color is quite universal. Yes, the price is more expensive than regular shoes, but it's worth it.

Olga Gael