Breathable Films
Monolithic films that are impervious to liquids (water) but permeable to gases (water vapor).
Watch the webinar recording
Monolithic & Breathable
Certain Pebax® polymer grades are inherently breathable when extruded alone or in combination with otherwise non-breathable resins.
Through very careful choice of proprietary polyether block chemistry within the Pebax® polymer backbone, a continuous molecular channel may be achieved that allows physical transport of water vapor molecules while simultaneously blocking any transport of liquid water.
Unlike perforated or microporous films, monolithic films made from Pebax polymers do not rely on vapor transport through holes or voids (which enables physical transport in both directions).
The moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of the final film may be finely tuned by varying the level of Pebax® polymer within the host material (usually functional polyolefin).
Typical Applications
- Medium, High Perm Housewrap
- Surgical Gowns, Bed Encasements
- Surgical Drapes, Masks, Gloves
- Mattress, Pillow Protectors
- Packaging
- Waterproof Apparel
Monolithic films also ensure better odor barrier properties and protect against gradual loss of overall performance due to plugging.
Choose the Right Grade
There are three grades of Pebax® offered for breathable/hydrophilic applications:
Pebax® MH 1657: Higher melt point, Higher melt strength
Pebax® MV 1074: Higher transparency, Lower melt point, Good sealability (Datasheet US/SI)
Pebax® MV 3000: Softer touch, Easy to process, Translucent
Each grade is tailored in its performance according to the careful selection by Arkema of the polyether and polyamide blocks in the Pebax® polymer backbone:
MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate) 15 micron Film - g/m2 per day - Typical Values
| ASTM E-96 | 50% RH, 23° C | 50% RH, 38° C | 90% RH, 23° C | 90% RH, 38° C | |
| Pebax® MH 1657 | B Method | 1,900 | 4,000 | 650 | 1,300 |
| E Method | 500 | 1,600 | 1,500 | 3,100 | |
| BW Method | 13,700 | 19,000 | 4,400 | 6,200 | |
| Pebax® MV 1074 | B Method | 1,900 | 4,000 | 650 | 1,300 |
| E Method | 500 | 1,600 | 1,500 | 3,100 | |
| BW Method | 13,700 | 19,000 | 4,400 | 6,200 | |
| Pebax® MV 3000 | B Method | 1,900 | 2,900 | 650 | 1,300 |
| E Method | 300 | 1,600 | 1,500 | 3,100 | |
| BW Method | 13,700 | 19,000 | 3,300 | 6,200 |
B Method: Upward evaporation through film; E Method: Dessicant absorption through film; BW Method: Inverted water transfer vthrough film
Typical Physical Properties
| Pebax® MH 1657 | Pebax® MV 1074 | Pebax® MV 3000 | |
| MP °C | 204 | 158 | 158 |
| Density g/cc | 1.14 | 1.07 | 1.02 |
| Flex Modulus Mpa | 80 | 80 | 45 |
| % Elongation @ Break | >500 | >700 | >450 |
| % Water Absorption 20°C, 50% RH | 4.5 | 1.4 | 1 |