How do your materials distinguish between liquid water and vapor?
At the heart of Kae Hwa’s membrane technology is the ability to act as a “smart gatekeeper.” Our materials leverage the massive size difference between water in its liquid and gas phases.
The Science of Scale: Micrometers Matter
Water Vapor Molecule
0.0004 μm
Thousands of times smaller than our membrane pores, allowing effortless passage.
Kae Hwa Pore Size
0.1 – 10 μm
The “Optimal Zone” that blocks liquid but facilitates breathability.
Smallest Water Droplet
100+ μm
Physically too large to penetrate the microporous structure.
Two Ways We Master Protection
1. Physical Filtration (Microporous)
By creating a “tortuous path” of microscopic channels, we ensure that while air and vapor can flow, the surface tension of liquid water prevents it from squeezing through the pores.
2. Chemical Diffusion (Monolithic)
In our non-porous films, we use hydrophilic “active sites” that chemically grab water vapor molecules and pass them along a molecular chain to the dry side, completely ignoring liquid water.
This dual-capability ensures that whether you are wearing a surgical gown or an outdoor jacket, you stay dry from the inside without external water ever getting in.