Improved breathability and heat transfer of a microporous ePTFE membrane

消防员暴露在恶劣的条件下，包括火焰，闪火，重负荷，高水平

Firefighters are exposed to severe conditions including flames, flash fire, heavy load, high level of cardiovascular activity and extreme heat. These combined effects may lead to thermophysiological stress and heat stress. Heat stress and heat-related illness are major causes of casualties for firefighters. In response to this current challenge, it is important to develop better technologies in order to manage heat build-up in the micro-climate created between the skin and the protective uniform. One of the strategies consists of improving the breathability of the moisture barrier, the waterproof intermediate layer in the protective uniform that protects against hot water and chemicals. In fact, the presence of this moisture barrier limits the evacuation of the body moisture then impedes evaporative cooling of the body. We propose new surface treatments to render the moisture barrier more hydrophilic in order to obtain higher water vapor permeability and so breathability.