Electrically powered PU keeps skiers comfy

Zurich, Switzerland – All modern skiers need is an app, a PU membrane and an electrical field to keep dry and warm on the slopes.

During strenuous skiing, people may sweat up to 1 l/hour on the upper body alone. Traditional breathable membranes struggle to shift this volume of moisture, especially at low temperatures.

Osmotex of Zurich has developed a smart material which it calls Hydro_Bot. This uses three functional membranes: two are electrically conductive and they sandwich a layer of microporous polyurethane.

KJUS is tailoring the material into the back of the jackets.  When the jacket is activated, a small electrical current is generated across the two pieces of fabric. This turns the pores in the polyurethane membrane into micro pumps. The system removes moisture ten times faster than traditional microporous jackets.

The jacket is controlled directly or via an iPhone or android app.