Multilayer fabric with selective radiation filter
A multilayer fabric for selectively blocking or transmitting particular wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum, such solar radiation, and far infrared (FIR) radiation. The multilayer fabric may include a microporous water vapor permeable layer that selectively filters particular wavelengths depending on the size of its pores. In some embodiments, the multilayer fabric may include a nanostructured layer that selectively filters particular wavelengths.
1. An article of apparel, comprising:
a multilayer fabric comprising:
a microporous water vapor permeable layer comprising pores that allow the transmission of far infrared (FIR) radiation and solar radiation; and
a textile layer coupled to the microporous water vapor permeable layer,
wherein the multilayer fabric comprises a plurality of zones, wherein the microporous water vapor permeable layer comprises a first pore pattern and a second pore pattern and wherein the first pore pattern of the microporous water vapor permeable layer in a first zone of the multilayer fabric is different from the second pore pattern of the microporous water vapor permeable layer in a second zone of the multilayer fabric,
wherein the first pore pattern and the second pore pattern each comprise pores arranged in repeated and consistent patterns,
wherein the microporous water vapor permeable layer consists of a metallic material, and
wherein the pores of the microporous water vapor permeable layer have a pore size in the range of 1.0 micron to 14.0 microns.
2. The article of apparel of claim 1 , wherein the microporous water vapor permeable layer allows the transmission of no less than 90% of solar radiation.
3. The article of apparel of claim 1 , wherein the microporous water vapor permeable layer allows the transmission of no more than 10% of FIR radiation.
4. The article of apparel of claim 1 , further comprising a second textile layer.
5. The article of apparel of claim 1 , wherein the microporous water vapor permeable layer allows the transmission of no more than 10% of FIR radiation having a wavelength in the range of 8 microns to 12 microns.
6. The article of apparel of claim 1 , wherein the textile layer comprises a first textile layer, and wherein the multilayer fabric further comprises a second textile layer, wherein the microporous water vapor permeable layer is disposed between the first textile layer and the second textile layer.
7. The article of apparel of claim 1 , further comprising a nanostructured layer.
8. The article of apparel of claim 1 , wherein the article of apparel is selected from the group consisting of: a shirt, pants, shorts, leggings, a sock, a jacket, a coat, a hat, a sleeve, a shoe, a sweater, a jersey, and a glove.
9. The article of apparel of claim 1 , wherein the pores of the microporous water vapor permeable layer have a pore size in the range of 9.0 microns to 14.0 microns.
10. The article of apparel of claim 1 , wherein the microporous water vapor permeable layer comprises a pore density of at least 5,000 pores per mm 2 .
11. The article of apparel of claim 1 , wherein the first pore pattern in the first zone comprises a different pore size range than the second pore pattern in the second zone.
12. The article of apparel of claim 1 , wherein the first pore pattern in the first zone comprises a different pore density than the second pore pattern in the second zone.