Self-Sealing and Puncture Resistant Breathable Membranes for Water-Evaporation Applications.

Breathable and waterproof membranes that self-seal damaged areas are prepared by modifying a poly(ether ester) membrane with an amphiphilic polymer co-network. The latter swells in water and the gel closes punctures. Damaged composite membranes remain water tight up to pressures of at least 1.6 bar. This material is useful for applications where water-vapor permeability, self-sealing properties, and waterproofness are desired, as demonstrated for a medical cooling device.