The water resistance and breathability of PE-coated Oxford cloth often present a trade-off, as these two properties can sometimes conflict with each other. Here's how they compare:
1. Water Resistance
Polyethylene (PE) coating is specifically designed to provide a strong barrier against water, making PE-coated Oxford cloth highly water-resistant. The hydrophobic nature of the polyethylene coating prevents water from penetrating the fabric, ensuring that the material remains dry and durable under wet conditions.
This waterproofing property is especially beneficial in outdoor gear, protective covers, tents, tarps, and other applications where moisture resistance is crucial.
However, the degree of water resistance can vary depending on the thickness of the coating. A thicker PE coating will typically offer better protection against water penetration but may reduce breathability.
2. Breathability
Breathability refers to a fabric's ability to allow moisture vapor (such as sweat or condensation) to escape, keeping the wearer comfortable by reducing moisture buildup.
Unfortunately, the PE coating on Oxford cloth forms a nearly impermeable barrier against water in liquid form, which can limit its ability to allow moisture vapor to pass through. This means that PE-coated Oxford cloth tends to have lower breathability compared to uncoated or less-coated fabrics.
The fabric's moisture-wicking capabilities can be affected as well, as the coating traps moisture within the fabric, preventing it from evaporating. This is especially noticeable in high-temperature or high-humidity environments where sweat or condensation can build up inside the fabric.
3. Balancing Water Resistance and Breathability
To achieve a balance between water resistance and breathability, manufacturers sometimes incorporate advanced features into PE-coated Oxford cloth:
Microporous coatings: Some versions of PE-coated fabrics may use a microporous coating, which allows water vapor to pass through while still blocking liquid water. This enables the material to be more breathable while maintaining a degree of waterproofing.
Permeability treatments: Treatments or laminates can be applied to make the fabric more breathable, such as by using laminated fabrics or employing coatings that allow for controlled vapor transfer. However, these treatments often reduce the fabric's overall water resistance slightly.
Hybrid coatings: Manufacturers may also combine PE coating with other materials or technologies (such as breathable membranes) to improve breathability without significantly compromising water resistance.
4. Use Case Considerations
For outdoor applications like tents or rain jackets, water resistance is often prioritized over breathability, as staying dry from rain or snow is more critical. In this case, PE-coated Oxford cloth would perform well in keeping out water, but users may experience less comfort in warmer conditions due to the lack of airflow.
For applications like sportswear or equipment bags, where comfort and moisture management are important, a higher level of breathability might be desired, and a fully waterproof PE-coated Oxford cloth might not be the best option unless advanced coatings are used.
