Radys introduces waterproof and breathable membrane

(CONNECT) Radys has released the R'Tech Nano Membrane. The new material is based on proprietary technology that the mountaineering apparel manufacturer calls Swiss Cheese Membrane Technology. It solves the trade-off between waterproofing and breathability typically found in weather-protective clothing, explains the company based in Büron in the Swiss canton of Lucerne in a statement. It says its products can now offer both functions without compromise. The new membrane is also completely free of any form of toxic per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS), which are known as forever chemicals.

The membrane has an ultra-fine porous structure, explains Radys. These pores are large enough to allow moisture as water vapor to pass through but also far too small for raindrops to penetrate. The R'Tech Nano Membrane is inherently hydrophobic and requires no additional coatings or pore sealants, while the material hardly swells, says the company.

Radys demonstrated the performance of its new product in a comparative test. The R1 Alpine Tech Jacket, featuring R'Tech Nano, achieved a water vapor permeability of 23,577 g/m2/24h, compared with 15,893 g/m2/24h for a “comparable market-leading jacket”. This represents a 48 per cent increase in breathability. The jacket also offers a water column of 41 meters, six meters more than the comparable jacket.

“With our R’Tech Nano Membrane, we’re demonstrating that high-performance weather protection and a PFAS-free membrane aren’t mutually exclusive,” said CEO and company founder Adrian Ruhstaller. “With Swiss Cheese Membrane Technology, we make highly complex technology easy to understand, while staying true to our Swiss heritage and values.” ce/mm