What is Thinsulate insulation? Thinsulate - insulation for clothing: characteristics, features and applications Material for jackets Thinsulate

If you're looking for a way to protect yourself from the cold, even in harsh climates, look to padding to beat out other offerings. The material, called thinsulate, has superior properties to down, without at the same time having its disadvantages. Since thin, light and warm insulation is harmless to allergy sufferers, it is used in making clothes and shoes.

The filler was invented in 1973, when American manufacturers offered it to astronauts. The creators also appreciated the commercial potential of the discovery, introducing the new product to the average consumer in 1979. Having learned how to choose Thinsulate and what it is, clients made a choice in its favor.

The material consists of fibers coated with silicone, each of which is 60 times thinner than a human hair. Since their diameter is 2-10 microns, the properties are better than those of padding polyester or holofiber: the more microthreads per unit area, the better the air is retained and the heat generated by the body is retained. The features of Thinsulate allow it to outperform even swan's down.

The advantages also include the following:

• ease;
• environmental friendliness;
• hypoallergenic;
• moisture resistance;
• non-flammability;
• ease of use.

The filler is suitable for making jackets, shoes and winter accessories needed by tourists. Because fibers are flexible, you won't need to devote a lot of space in your luggage to pack warm clothes when traveling. These qualities have already been appreciated outside the United States: the insulation has found fans in Europe and Russia.

Lifetime

Having learned what Thinsulate is, you will ask a question about durability. The answer depends on whether you purchase branded products or settle for a fake. If you buy shoes from a trusted manufacturer, after 6 years they will retain their quality and look new.

Another important factor is proper care. Having carefully studied the recommendations and adhered to the instructions, you can wear the jacket for at least 10 years! This kind of durability is rarely found in other winter clothing, so it's well worth the expense.

Common types

Among the products from 3M, which owns the rights to insulating material, the following types are distinguished:

• Original.

Lightweight and comfortable, it is suitable for down jackets and accessories. The gloves deserve particular praise because they keep your hands warm without impeding finger mobility.

• Flame Resistant.

Those wishing to purchase Thinsulate will like these down jackets due to their increased non-flammability. The models are appreciated by firefighters and emergency services employees.

It is made from 50% recycled materials, which environmentalists like. On quality the feature is not reflected.

• Water Resistant.

Such insulation for clothes, Thinsulate, will please you with its increased water resistance. The property will be useful for tourism lovers traveling along the coast during the cold season.

Maximum elasticity will make the models indispensable for active recreation or work. The composition provides fabric stretching up to 40% in all directions, which allows you to not hamper movement.

• Featherless.

The manufacturer set the task of creating an imitation of swan down. This type pleases with its softness and warmth, without losing its qualities when wet. Its properties are comparable to natural types, but it benefits from lightness and elasticity. This series emphasizes how well the name for the filler was chosen, because it comes from thin (“thin”) and insulation (“insulation”). The Featherless type fully embodies these qualities!

• Odor Resistant.

Any type of material does not absorb odors, but the X-static fiber contained in the formula allows for improved performance. The natural antibacterial properties are enhanced by the inclusion of silver in the threads.

For those who want to choose insulation, thinsulate Featherless, Original, and other types will be a godsend. You just need to decide on the criteria, and the purchase will be justified.

In what products is it used?

Although light and warm clothing was intended for NASA employees and the military, its benefits were also appreciated by professional athletes. Then it won over numerous consumers, including adults and children.

For adults

After the appearance of the Thinsulate material, reviews were so favorable that its use spread to the field of sporting goods. Visitors to mountain resorts prefer special suits and gloves: they make even small movements comfortable, and the small volume makes it easier to hold ski poles. Protective masks and hats are in use, since they prevent chapping of the skin and hypothermia.

The sphere of urban clothing is presented separately. Thinsulate filler allows you to embody fashion trends; fortunately, parkas retain heat and do not differ in volume. They are designed in a “casual” or “military” style, with stylish bomber jackets being a particular trend. Trousers and jeans are also insulated, which allows for comprehensive protection from low temperatures. Beauties do not lag behind the fashion for comfort, so if you wish, it is not difficult to find ladies' clothes coat.

For children

Thanks to its special features, the insulation is used in the field of children's clothing: lightness and thinness do not interfere with games, and parents are not forced to interrupt their walk for fear of catching a child's cold. Hypoallergenicity and environmental friendliness make things safe for the health of children, which is why trousers, overalls, winter and autumn jackets are in demand.

When purchasing, it is important to determine the desired density, because parents are trying to find a warmer option. But children's clothes with thinsulate will be too hot when the child decides to frolic, so buy lighter models.

What temperatures is it suitable for?

Are you wondering whether you should wear such things in the cold? The level of protection depends on the density, and if selected correctly you will not feel discomfort even at -30 °C.

For active activities in a gentle climate, choose clothes and accessories where per 1 sq. m. surface area accounts for 40 g of insulation. Although this option will be easy for cold weather, a little coolness will not be terrible.

With moderate activity, the value should be increased to 70-80 g per 1 square meter. m. This option is good for demi-season models.

If insulation is required under more severe conditions (-15- -22 °C), look for a product with a rating of 100-150 g. In this case, you will not be afraid even of being in the cold without moving, and for extreme frosts (-30 °C) A density of 250 g is suitable.

When choosing shoes, the criteria change:

• for a gentle climate and long walking, 200 g is enough;
• with moderate activity or the need to cope with average cold, the minimum value increases to 400 g;
• long stays in extreme cold without moving will be comfortable if you purchase models with a layer density of 600-800 g.

You just have to choose the right Thinsulate insulation - and it will do the job!

Features of care

For a product to last for a long time, it must be washed and dried properly. Before you get started, study the manufacturer’s recommendations: if the top is made of membrane fabric, you will need to acquire a special tool. A Thinsulate jacket can be cleaned with a gel, but for other cases soft powders are suitable.

You should choose a delicate mode, with water heating at 30 °C. To remove complex stains on light-colored fabric, you can rub the sleeves with a brush or wash them in advance. If the number of revolutions in the machine does not exceed 600, the process will be harmless.

Caring for items from the Flame Resistant series requires attention: due to the pH level, it is advisable to use products intended for colored fabrics. Find out how to choose Thinsulate and how to wash it to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Drying and ironing

The items should be dried in a horizontal position with an absorbent cloth underneath. Turn the jacket over periodically so that the moisture evaporates evenly, and lightly beat - this will straighten the filling. Squeezing is prohibited, so be patient.

You should iron things by selecting an iron temperature of 40 °C and turning off the steam function. Then they are hung in the closet in a straightened state. Do not use vacuum bags under any circumstances, otherwise your wardrobe items will lose their properties!

Thinsulate or fluff

For those wishing to purchase a down jacket with filling, both Thinsulate and down seem to be good options. But the new generation of insulation retains heat 1.5-2 times better! In addition, it is less demanding to care for: after washing, the fluff gets stuck in clumps, which cannot always be straightened out, and the item is damaged. And material of American origin can even be dry-cleaned, because it will handle it without consequences.

Thinsulate filler is also hypoallergenic, something that down cannot boast of. Durability also appears to be excellent, so the benefits are obvious. To get a nice and light type, choose the Featherless series and you will be satisfied. The only downside is the price, but quality does not come cheap.

Top brands

The listed advantages convinced us that down jackets with Thinsulate will reliably please you. stu? But these advantages only distinguish models from trusted brands. One of them was the Braggart company, which was the first to use the American proposal: it specializes in the production of outerwear. Reliability of down jackets from Castle X will also not cause any complaints, and women's things With Thinsulate insulation can be found among Merrell products, whose models are suitable for active tourism and urban conditions. Accessories are presented in the Ergodyne N-Ferno lines, which include hats and ski masks.

The Wrangler brand did not stand aside, introducing winter jeans. The thin lining does not hinder movement, so things sit on their owners with the usual grace. Outwardly, they do not differ from ordinary ones, but they do not allow you to freeze even in frosty weather. Thanks to clothes With Thinsulate will make you feel comfortable.

With the development of progress, synthetic materials are replacing natural ones, since their formulas are more perfect. The assortment allows you to find models for any climate zone, and the products differ in quality. Whatever type you choose, it will last at least 10 years!

Kirill Sysoev

Calloused hands never get bored!

Content

More than 20 years ago, the American company 3M (Minnesote Mining Manufacturing) set itself the task of creating insulation for space suits. At the same time, a technology was developed for the production of synthetic material based on microfibers, which surpassed swan's down in its heat-preserving characteristics. The created material was called Thinsulate (from the English thin - thin, insulation - insulation). In recent years, this material has been replacing synthetic winterizer in the production of a wide range of warm clothing for adults, children, skiers and polar explorers.

What is Thinsulate

The creators of Thinsulate tried to come up with a material that could accommodate and hold a large amount of air. For this purpose, hollow polyester microfibers were created, externally coated with silicone 2-10 microns thick, which is 50 times thinner than a human hair. For elasticity, the fibers are given a spiral shape, causing the material to work like a spring - quickly restoring volume after deformation or compression. The light weight of the fibers and the ability to hold a larger amount of air determined the advantage of this material over other insulation materials.

Production of insulation

Thinsulate has been produced by 3M since 1973, and its creation began on lines for the production of adhesive tape (adhesive tape). The basis for the creation is polyesters created on the basis of organic polymers. At the initial stage, polyester fibers are obtained by melting polyethylene terephthalate. The created hollow thin thread is covered with a layer of silicone, then, using elevated temperature, the fibers are given a spiral shape, and several layers are formed from their array using thermal bonding. The resulting material is able to accommodate and hold a large volume of air.

Properties of Thinsulate

The physical properties of the microfiber structure of the material have led to the creation of several properties necessary for high-quality insulation. These characteristics of Thinsulate were in demand for the production of space equipment for American astronauts. After this, the 3M company continued to improve the material, which today has a lot of extremely useful properties for the consumer. Thanks to the three-dimensional thermowelded spatial structure, Thinsulate insulation has many features, the main ones:

• low hygroscopicity - absorbs moisture 70 times less than natural insulation materials;
• highly environmentally friendly, non-toxic and hypoallergenic, which meets high international standards;
• heat-protective properties are 50% higher than natural down filler;
• resistance to wetting, washing, no shrinkage, wear resistance.

Among the disadvantages, in comparison with other types of insulation, it is worth noting:

• higher cost;
• the ability of synthetic materials to accumulate static electricity;
• danger of overheating if the rules of use are not followed and there is no ventilation.

What temperature can Thinsulate filler withstand?

The ability to create multi-layer insulating material from layers of Thinsulate makes it possible to produce a variety of ready-made clothing items - jackets, gloves, hats, thermal underwear, shoes for work and leisure. The maximum low temperature limit at which products with Thinsulate insulation were tested is -60 degrees C. The high heat capacity and low weight of products with this insulation make it possible to create heat-protected workwear based on it for polar explorers, submariners, and climbers.

Varieties

The main advantage of Thinsulate is its smaller thickness with the same thermal protection compared to other insulation materials. Depending on the scope of application of different types of material, there is a gradation of increasing material density - C, B, Tib and P. In this case, type C is the lightest type, B, Tib is medium, and P is the densest. Especially for the creation of workwear for employees of oil and gas sector enterprises, the Ministry of Emergency Situations created the FR type with the inclusion of meta-aramid fire-resistant fibers in the insulation structure. The main types of material differ in density, elasticity, and cost:

• Ultra is the densest in the line of types of this material, used in areas that do not impose strict requirements on the weight and volume of the finished product - for tourism and ski suits.
• Classic is a classic version of insulation with average frost protection and density. Used for demi-season clothing.
• Flex is the most flexible and thinnest Thinsulate insulation in this line for professional sports.
• LiteLoft is a filling that can be compressed several times, is expensive and is used in the manufacture of sleeping bags and other equipment for mountaineering.
• Ultra Extreme Performance for Footwear is a special-purpose insulation design for creating clothing that ensures human survival in extreme weather conditions.

Application of material

The excellent properties of the new insulation have become in demand in the production of a number of consumer goods. The most popular demand is for outerwear insulated clothing for the autumn-winter season:

• a jacket or winter coat made with Thinsulate is more elegant and lightweight compared to traditional down jackets based on natural down or synthetic padding;
• sportswear, trousers, jackets for winter sports are less restrictive for movement, while remaining warm and reliable;
• shoes for slushy periods in cities, for traveling or mountaineering;
• additional wardrobe items - gloves, hats;
• highly specialized clothing - thermal underwear, diving suits, overalls for workers in northern latitudes, emergency situations workers, firefighters, rescuers.

Jackets

The most universal - type C insulation is used mainly for sewing fashionable urban outerwear, jackets, leather goods, knitwear, gloves, and hats. It consists of 65% polyolefin fiber, 35% polyester fiber. A jacket with Thinsulate turns out to be more beautiful and less heavy than a down jacket made with down, padding polyester or holofiber. The flexibility of this insulation, high elongation and compression resistance of the lining make it possible to create jacket models without frequent quilting. It is available in three versions:

• C – without non-woven intermediate pad;
• CS – with a one-sided non-woven gasket, which is attached to the thinsulate layer by ultrasonic welding;
• CDS – with double-sided non-woven lining.

Depending on the modification of each of these insulation options, its density and thickness change:

Workwear

For the production of workwear, the densest insulation for clothing, Thinsulate, type P is used. This material is used to make everyday and professional outerwear, gloves, mittens, and boots for people working in the Arctic Circle. This clothing is characterized by high fabric thickness, thermal insulation, and the ability to be used in strong winds and sudden changes in weather. At the same time, the workwear retains its flexibility and does not interfere with the performance of professional duties. Characteristics of the finished material grade P:

Created specifically for employees involved in fire and explosion hazardous work, the FR insulation option is used when sewing outerwear, jackets, trousers, mittens, gloves, and fire-resistant shoes. Various modifications of this insulation have the following characteristics:

One of the important elements of clothing for residents of the north, workers and military personnel of the Far North is thermal underwear. Using Thinsulate as insulation to create it can shrink the entire product, making it more elastic and pleasant for everyday wear. This linen does not lose its properties after repeated washing, drying or dry cleaning. This type of thermal underwear is used by climbers, skiers, and rescuers. It is in demand by fans of hunting and fishing, in which sedentary methods of extraction are replaced by active actions.

Ski shoes and accessories

Thinsulate type B is special for the manufacture of heat-protected shoes. For this purpose, the layer of insulating filler is made of high density and small thickness. This provides an opportunity for manufacturers of ski boots and ski gloves to make samples of reduced weight, good design, strength, and reliability. The characteristics of various modifications of this type of insulation are presented in the table:

Diving suits

Specific requirements are imposed on the manufacture of diving equipment and suits. They must be elastic, durable, and have minimal hygroscopicity. Thinsulate meets all these requirements and complements divers' clothing with high heat resistance. This becomes especially important when working at great depths or under ice. Many submariners and scuba divers use Thinsulate socks, which are hydrophobic. This means that even if completely wet, they will retain more than 70% of their original heat.

Household items and children's products

High-quality insulation is needed not only for clothing, but also for a large list of household items. For these purposes, the TIB type is used, which is used in the production of sportswear, blankets, rugs, pillows, and sleeping bags. The absence of allergies to this material, resistance to high humidity, waterproof properties, and good thermal insulation make this material attractive for creating things for children. To create overalls, children's blankets, envelopes, it is possible to use thicker insulation sheets, which have the following parameters:

Thinsulate care

The durability of any item depends on proper use and proper care of it. Considering the high cost of things with this insulation, it is advisable to choose dry cleaning. When washing products containing artificial filler Thinsulate, you need water with a temperature no higher than 30-40 degrees. Hand washing is advisable using liquid detergents, while Thinsulate is not afraid of prolonged soaking.

Machine washing should be done in delicate cycles with a temperature setting of no higher than 40 degrees and a spin speed of no more than 600 rpm. Drying of products is carried out at room temperature, on ordinary hangers. You should not hang things on heating devices whose temperature is above 40 degrees C. It is not recommended to steam things with this material to avoid damage.

Price

The table shows prices for products in the Moscow region using Thinsulate as insulation:

Thinsulate - the lightest and warmest

The problem of how to protect yourself from the cold has been facing humanity since ancient times. Traditionally, natural materials are used for this - fur and various fluff. When the first synthetic materials appeared, it was believed that they had poor thermal insulation properties, but modern fiber production technologies disprove this opinion. The leader in the group of synthetic warming materials is Thinsulate, an insulation material whose warming properties are second only to polar eider down, but at the same time more affordable.

The name of this material (thinsulate) is a combination of the English words “thin” and “insulated”. These terms define the nature of this material, consisting of very thin polyester fibers (5 microns) twisted in a spiral. The top of these spirals is treated with silicone, which forms air layers that retain body heat. This insulation, which was also called “artificial swan down,” was first produced in 1973 by the American company MMM (3M), which produced adhesive tape. There are many legends about the invention of Thinsulate. However, it is reliable that in 1979 the company registered the “Thinsulate” trademark, under which ski suits and shoes began to be produced. They used the new Thinsulate insulation, which is very light and warm. Since then, the company has been constantly improving this wonderful material, giving it more and more new characteristics. All varieties of this type of warming layer are characterized by the following general properties:

• excellent heat retention;
• very light weight;
• softness;
• elasticity;
• anti-allergenic;
• non-flammability;
• strength;
• durability;
• versatility;
• breathability;
• lack of adsorption of liquids and odors;
• the ability to regulate the concentration of water vapor at the surface of the skin;
• restoration of structure after mechanical stress and washing;
• quick drying;
• resistance to microorganisms and damage by insects;
• versatility and practicality.

Among the disadvantages of this insulation, it is necessary to recognize its ability to accumulate static electricity, as well as the fact that a layer of Thinsulate that does not correspond to temperature conditions can lead to overheating of the body. In addition, such a high-tech material cannot be cheap, and the price of products with Thinsulate is two to three times higher than with other synthetic insulation. However, high comfort and durability make the cost of purchasing such things completely justified.

However, an important advantage that contributes to the widespread use of this material is its officially confirmed hypoallergenicity, as a result of which it is recommended for use in clothing and bedding intended for allergy sufferers, including children. It should be borne in mind that the ability of most types of Thinsulate to retain heat decreases when compressed, so it is recommended to sew products based on it as little as possible.

Application of Thinsulate

The scope of application of this modern and effective warming filler is determined by its varieties, of which there are currently a lot. The main parameters are density (50 - urban demi-season clothing, 400 - special-purpose equipment), the presence of additional shells and special processing:

1. The most common type is Classic (C), which is used to insulate clothing and hats. This is a thin material that is secured using an adhesive layer and stitching the top fabric in increments of 15 cm. The CS variety is attached to a non-woven lining using ultrasonic welding and requires less frequent stitching (25 cm). A variation of the Classic category called CDS is attached to the interlining on both sides and can be installed without stitching.
2. Thinsulate type P is considered the most economical and is used for children's and sportswear. This calendered filler has densities of 100, 150 and 230 g/m2 and does not require additional fixation.
3. For extreme activity in mild frosts, the Flex modification is used, which is characterized by increased elasticity.
4. LiteLoft retains its properties when compressed. It has special packaging and is used for special equipment.
5. As a filler for bedding and warm travel equipment, a thickened and soft modification of TIB with density values ​​of 100, 120 and 200 g/sq.m. is used.
6. Type B is resistant to moisture and retains thermal insulating properties when compressed; it is used for the production of warm footwear.
7. FR is a fire-resistant type of insulation with the addition of meta-aramid, used for warm workwear in conditions of increased fire hazard.
8. Ultra – thick insulation for severe frosts. The Ultra Extreme variety is used in the manufacture of clothing and equipment intended for extreme conditions.

Thus, Thinsulate of various modifications is effectively used both for warm winters in the city and for activities in the Arctic Circle. Currently, it is considered the thinnest, most effective and safest filler. It is often used for self-sewing; in this case, it is better to take calendered or double-sided thinsulate. If it was not possible to obtain such material, then the insulating layers are sewn only at the junctions of the parts, and if necessary, small hand stitches are used to attach them to the outer fabric.

Which insulation is better?

How to care for Thinsulate?

In order for the properties of the heat-saving layer to be preserved as long as possible, products using it require proper care. Contaminated areas can be scrubbed with a soapy brush or taken to the dry cleaner. Thinsulate is not afraid of machine washing and spinning, but for it you should choose a delicate mode and liquid detergents. The water temperature should not be more than 40 degrees, and the spin should not be more than 600 rpm. Drying is carried out at room temperature without access to the sun. After machine spinning, the product dries in about three to four hours. There is no need to iron it under any circumstances.

Thinsulate insulation was invented by the American company 3M in 1978. It was intended to make suits for astronauts. Lightness along with good thermal insulation are the main criteria when choosing uniforms for working in outer space. Thinsulate met all the parameters. No wonder the name comes from the English words: “thin” - thin, “insulation” - insulation. Over time, Thinsulate insulation began to be used in industry for the manufacture of warm clothing, including children's.

Work principles

Thinsulate is a synthetic material that is a plexus of the finest fibers. They are 10 times thinner than a human hair and take up little space in the total volume of insulation, while creating an air cushion that provides protection from the cold. The fibers of ordinary polyester are much thicker, therefore their thermal insulation properties are lower, and the volume of the product is larger. Thinsulate filler is one and a half times warmer than down.

The fibers have a hollow structure, so when wet they continue to hold air, as they are not filled with water. Thus, Thinsulate continues to retain heat, even when wet.

Advantages

Despite the fact that clothes made with Thinsulate are warm even in thirty-degree frost (and some types of this insulation can withstand temperatures down to -60), they are unusually thin. In addition, Thinsulate is the lightest of all synthetic fillers. These properties are good for active kids; such clothes will not restrict movement.

In a humid environment, the thermal insulation properties of Thinsulate are not lost, and when wet, the insulation dries quickly and restores its shape. Thinsulate overalls are suitable for slushy winters, which can suddenly end in severe frosts.

Thinsulate's resistance to environmental conditions is another important advantage. It does not lose its properties after repeated washings: it quickly restores its shape, does not compress, does not clump, like, for example, fluff. Thinsulate clothing can be inherited from older children.

Unlike down and wool, Thinsulate is hypoallergenic. And if you compare it with padding polyester, it is environmentally friendly.

Conditions of care

Thinsulate is not afraid of machine washing and spinning. True, in a gentle mode: a small number of revolutions, a mild detergent, a temperature not higher than 40 degrees. Thinsulate products can be dry cleaned. It should be dried away from heating devices and in a straightened state. You can iron, but without steam, the temperature should not exceed 60 degrees. After washing, it is recommended to lightly “beat” the product to restore its shape and volume.

Density

Thinsulate is designed for insulation in cold weather from 0 to -60 degrees. The density of the insulation will vary accordingly. There are several types of Thinsulate, they differ in thickness and density. Thinsulate types “P”, “C” and “TIB” are suitable for children's clothing.

Thinsulate type C100 is used to make clothing for use at temperatures up to 0 degrees. C150 is suitable for temperatures of -10-15 degrees. Type “C” is used for sewing fashionable urban clothing, type “P” is mainly for children’s clothing, type “TIB” is intended for making sportswear. The price of Thinsulate is significantly higher than the price of Holofiber. Thinsulate-based children's clothing is produced by Russian companies for the production of children's outerwear "Talvi", KIKO and the Swedish "Ketch".

Thinsulate is a modern synthetic insulation made of fine fibers, which is used as fillers in jackets, sleeping bags, shoes, blankets and other household items.

We owe the appearance of such an ultra-lightweight material with excellent thermal insulation parameters to the American space program of 1973. It was then that Thinsulate was invented for space purposes. And within a few years, American companies began to use this material as insulation for consumer goods.

Characteristics of Thinsulate material

Today, this material stands out among other insulation materials due to the following parameters:

1. Thermal insulation qualities

Many fine fibers create air pores that perfectly retain heat. In this it surpasses even natural fluff.

2. Elasticity

The material easily regains its shape even with great stretching.

3. Lightness

The finest fibers are also ultra-light, they are several times lighter than human hair.

4. Not afraid of moisture

The material does not absorb moisture, as well as human sweat and odors.

5. Breathable

Thinsulate perfectly allows air to pass through, allowing the skin to breathe.

6. Security

Does not emit harmful substances. Also used for children's clothing.

7. Durability

The material is very wear-resistant. Not afraid of washing, damage and deformation.

How to wash Thinsulate

When washing things with Thinsulate filler, they are not fussy. It is enough to follow some rules:

1. Wash in a washing machine up to 40 degrees.
2. Do not expose to high temperatures - no more than 60 degrees.
3. You can dry the material in a washing machine.
4. Thinsulate can also be dry cleaned without any problems.

It’s safe to say that Thinsulate is one of the best insulation materials with a wide range of advantages. This is another example of how things created for the benefit of space exploration serve humanity on Earth