Semiembedded HDPE/VIS Composite Membranes with Tailored Wettability and Superior Mechanical Durability for Outdoor...

Outdoor personal protective equipment (O-PPE) is vital for health and safety during activities, such as climbing and camping. However, achieving comfort in using O-PPE is challenging owing to subpar liquid management and rigid textures. In this study, a semiembedded HDPE/VIS microfibrous membrane was developed by hydroentangling a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) microfibrous web fabricated via flash spinning with a viscose (VIS) fibrous web created through carding. This innovative structure was formed under the impact of water jets, where HDPE microfibers were embedded in the VIS fiber layer, resulting in a dense and stable composite structure. This semiembedded structure enables the rapid wettability of the VIS layer while maintaining the hydrophobicity of the HDPE layer, thereby significantly enhancing liquid management, as demonstrated by a high accumulative one-way transport index of 1036%. Additionally, the sample exhibits a high water-vapor transmission rate of 1973 g/(m² ·24 h), and the HDPE layer effectively obstructs air. Furthermore, the membrane exhibits a promising daytime radiative cooling property, thus resulting in a lower maximum temperature by 12.9 °C, a superior softness of 0.24 N, and uniform mechanical performance, which can be enhanced by adjusting the water-jet pressure and HDPE mass per unit area. Overall, the HDPE/VIS microfibrous membrane provides a balanced combination of protection, comfort, and durability, thereby offering a versatile solution for advanced O-PPE.