Through our Industrial Collaboration Programme, Amphico’s new Amphitex™ membrane formulations, developed to replace PFAS-derived waterproof fabrics, were validated alongside durability studies and exploratory chemical recycling trials. The aim of the project was to strengthen the product’s technical and commercial readiness whilst increasing sustainability.
Background and context
In light of incoming global PFAS regulation across chemical industries, there is a need for new materials for high-performance, waterproof consumer textiles.
However, achieving this goal poses a significant challenge to materials scientists, given that the properties of fluoropolymers are particularly well-suited to the development of waterproofing membranes. While this challenge is complex, it also presents an opportunity to develop materials that are optimised for durability and designed for circularity.
Project details and results
Amphitex membranes and laminates, created by Amphico, aim to provide a high-performing alternative without the use of hazardous compounds. The project aimed to validate and enhance the durability and the recyclability of a variety of Amphitex materials.
During the project, funded by Royce’s Industrial Collaboration Programme, new Amphitex™ membrane formulations were tested alongside durability studies and exploratory chemical recycling trials. This integrated approach enabled the consortium – Amphico alongside the Universities of Leeds and Surrey – to develop new testing protocols and generate data on both the lifetime performance and potential recyclability of high-performance textile materials, which is an area that remains underexplored in technical apparel materials development.
Membrane samples were produced on a lab scale, testing a variety of new compositions to induce higher performance and durability in real-life use. Performance characteristics were tested using standard textile characterisation methods including hydrostatic head and water vapour transmission rate. Durability testing was conducted through repeated wash cycles, conducted at the University of Leeds and chemical recycling trials at the University of Surrey.
To assess the durability of the Amphitex laminates, samples underwent accelerated life cycle testing via repetitive laundering. Testing focused on the impact of laundering on waterproofing, breathability, and physical integrity of the Amphitex laminates. Preliminary recycling results enabled further work to improve conversion rate and reduce energy input.
The project generated robust data on the durability of Amphitex™ membranes and explored their suitability for emerging chemical recycling routes, strengthening the product’s technical validation and commercial readiness.
Impact and next steps
Funding from the Royce Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) enabled Amphico to establish a structured collaboration with the Universities of Leeds and Surrey, providing access to specialist academic expertise and testing capabilities that would otherwise be difficult for an SME to obtain. The ICP framework also simplified collaboration by providing funding and clear intellectual property arrangements, making it significantly easier to initiate and manage joint research between Amphico and academic partners.
The product testing enabled Amphico to implement £10k in cost savings and develop an improved product at an increased market readiness level (moving from TRL 6 to 9 for the Amphitex laminate with increased durability after washing).
Product testing continues with follow-on funding awarded to Amphico as a result of this ICP project, enabling knowledge transfer and new job creation at both universities.
Project collaborators
This interdisciplinary project brought together the complementary expertise, facilities, and research interests of Amphico, the University of Leeds (Leeds), and the University of Surrey (Surrey). Amphico led membrane development using its in-house extrusion, automated post-processing lab, materials characterisation equipment, and accessed the Royce Facility at Imperial for advanced SEM analysis. Leeds contributed deep expertise in garment durability testing, supported by dedicated equipment and staff. Surrey drove chemical recycling, leveraging a twin-screw extruder and catalysts for depolymerisation, aligned with its current research. Each partner codeveloped this project in line with existing work ensuring effective collaboration and technology translation within the project timeframe.
Collaborators
Through our Industrial Collaboration Programme, Amphico’s new Amphitex™ membrane formulations, developed to replace PFAS-derived waterproof fabrics, were validated alongside durability studies and exploratory chemical recycling trials
"This project helped validate the durability and recyclability of Amphico’s Amphitex™ membranes through collaboration with the Universities of Leeds and Surrey, providing independent data to support product development and commercialisation. The partnership enabled rapid testing and expert analysis that will directly inform future development and product launches."
