Thinsulate

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Outdoor faucet cover socks made from Thinsulate

Thinsulate is a brand of synthetic fiber thermal insulation used in clothing. The word is a portmanteau of the words thin and insulate, trademarked by 3M. [1] The material is made by the 3M Corporation and was first sold in 1979. [2] It was originally marketed as an inexpensive alternative to down; at the time, 3M claimed it was twice as warm as an equivalent amount of any natural material. [3] [4]

Contents

Originally designed for clothing, it later became popular as an acoustic damping material. [5] In 1997, 3M generated US$150 million in annual revenue from the product. [5] Its development originated from other microfibre products made by 3M. [6] It has been used in US army clothing since the mid 1980s. [7]

Description

Thinsulate fibers are about 15 micrometres (0.00059 in) in diameter, [8] which is thinner than the polyester fibers normally used in insulation for clothing such as gloves or winter jackets. Advertising material suggests that Thinsulate is more effective due to the increased density of fibers with decreased size of fibers compared with more traditional insulation. [9] Like most insulation materials, the gaps between fibers not only reduce heat flow, but also allow moisture to escape. The insulation properties are beneficial for retaining some of the heat produced by the body for comfortable warmth while the moisture produced, most likely sweat, is supposed to evaporate. [10] It retains its insulating properties when wet. [11]

The thermal resistance R-value provided by Thinsulate products varies by the specific thickness and construction of the fabric. [12] Values (US units) range from 1.6 for 80-gram fabric to 2.9 for 200-gram fabric. [13] Thinsulate is considered "the warmest thin apparel insulation" available. In fact, when equal thicknesses are compared, it provides about 1½ times the warmth of down and about twice the warmth of other high-loft insulation materials. [14]

Material safety data sheets from the manufacturer show that different varieties of Thinsulate are made from different mixtures of polymers, but most are primarily polyethylene terephthalate or a mixture of polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene. Other materials in some include polyethylene terephthalate-polyethylene isophthalate copolymer and acrylic.[ citation needed ]

Thinsulate is now used in the fabric roof of the convertible automobile, the Porsche Boxster. The extra layer not only reduces heat loss but has also reduced noise levels inside the car by 3 decibels. [15] It is also used in the roof of the Jaguar F-Type sports car. [16] It features in the upholstery of Saturn sedans, Ford F-150 pickups, Buick Park Avenues, and F-16 fighters. [5]

It is used in a wide variety of clothing products, such as footwear, gloves, hats, and coats. [17] [18] It became popular in outerwear jackets as early as 1985. [19] The fibers are thinner in diameter than polyester fibres, so the material is used as a waterproof synthetic alternative to down. [20]

In 2015 Thinsulate was named a recipient of an ISPO Award as a Top 10 Insulation. [21] [22]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thermal insulation</span> Minimization of heat transfer

Thermal insulation is the reduction of heat transfer between objects in thermal contact or in range of radiative influence. Thermal insulation can be achieved with specially engineered methods or processes, as well as with suitable object shapes and materials.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fiber</span> Natural or synthetic substance made of long, thin filaments

Fiber or fibre is a natural or artificial substance that is significantly longer than it is wide. Fibers are often used in the manufacture of other materials. The strongest engineering materials often incorporate fibers, for example carbon fiber and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BoPET</span> Polyester film

BoPET is a polyester film made from stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and is used for its high tensile strength, chemical and dimensional stability, transparency, reflectivity, gas and aroma barrier properties, and electrical insulation. A variety of companies manufacture boPET and other polyester films under different brand names. In the UK and US, the best-known trade names are Mylar, Melinex, Lumirror and Hostaphan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wetsuit</span> Garment for thermal insulation from water

A wetsuit is a garment worn to provide thermal protection while wet. It is usually made of foamed neoprene, and is worn by surfers, divers, windsurfers, canoeists, and others engaged in water sports and other activities in or on water. Its purpose is to provide thermal insulation and protection from abrasion, ultraviolet exposure, and stings from marine organisms. It also contributes extra buoyancy. The insulation properties of neoprene foam depend mainly on bubbles of gas enclosed within the material, which reduce its ability to conduct heat. The bubbles also give the wetsuit a low density, providing buoyancy in water.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thermoplastic</span> Plastic that softens with heat and hardens on cooling

A thermoplastic, or thermosoftening plastic, is any plastic polymer material that becomes pliable or moldable at a certain elevated temperature and solidifies upon cooling.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polyethylene terephthalate</span> Polymer

Polyethylene terephthalate (or poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, PETE, or the obsolete PETP or PET-P), is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in fibres for clothing, containers for liquids and foods, and thermoforming for manufacturing, and in combination with glass fibre for engineering resins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Extreme cold weather clothing</span> Clothing for arctic or high altitude conditions

Extreme cold weather clothing refers to clothing for arctic or mountainous areas. Its primary function is to trap air as an insulator to prevent heat loss from the wearer's body. Secondary and necessary is to conduct water vapor away from the body to keep the insulating layers dry. A shell keeps the wind from disturbing the still air in the insulating layers. In warmer conditions, the shell protects from water intrusion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Microfiber</span> Synthetic fiber

Microfiber is synthetic fiber finer than one denier or decitex/thread, having a diameter of less than ten micrometers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polyester</span> Category of polymers, in which the monomers are joined together by ester links

Polyester is a category of polymers that contain the ester functional group in every repeat unit of their main chain. As a specific material, it most commonly refers to a type called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polyesters include naturally occurring chemicals, such as in plants and insects, as well as synthetics such as polybutyrate. Natural polyesters and a few synthetic ones are biodegradable, but most synthetic polyesters are not. Synthetic polyesters are used extensively in clothing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Space blanket</span> Aluminized plastic sheet used to protect against heat in space

A space blanket is an especially low-weight, low-bulk blanket made of heat-reflective, thin, plastic sheeting. They are used on the exterior surfaces of spacecraft for thermal control, as well as by people. Their design reduces the heat loss in a person's body, which would otherwise occur due to thermal radiation, water evaporation, or convection. Their low weight and compact size before unfurling make them ideal when space or weight are at a premium. They may be included in first aid kits and with camping equipment. Lost campers and hikers have an additional possible benefit: the shiny surface flashes in the sun, allowing its use as an improvised distress beacon for searchers and as a method of signalling over long distances to other people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nonwoven fabric</span> Sheet of fibers

Nonwoven fabric is a fabric-like material made from staple fibre (short) and long fibres, bonded together by chemical, mechanical, heat or solvent treatment. The term is used in the textile manufacturing industry to denote fabrics, such as felt, which are neither woven nor knitted. Some non-woven materials lack sufficient strength unless densified or reinforced by a backing. In recent years, non-wovens have become an alternative to polyurethane foam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polar fleece</span> Insulating knitted polyester napped or pile fabric

Polar fleece is a soft napped insulating fabric made from polyester.

Olefin fiber is a synthetic fiber made from a polyolefin, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. It is used in wallpaper, carpeting, ropes, and vehicle interiors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bunker gear</span> Person protective equipment used by firefighters

Bunker gear is the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by firefighters. The term is derived from the fact that the trousers and boots are traditionally kept by the firefighters bunk at the fire station to be readily available for use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sportswear</span> Equipment and attire worn by sportive cyclists

Sportswear or activewear is clothing, including footwear, worn for sport or physical exercise. Sport-specific clothing is worn for most sports and physical exercise, for practical, comfort or safety reasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Technical textile</span> Textile product valued for its functional characteristics

"Technical textile" refers to a category of textiles specifically engineered and manufactured to serve functional purposes beyond traditional apparel and home furnishing applications. These textiles are designed with specific performance characteristics and properties, making them suitable for various industrial, medical, automotive, aerospace, and other technical applications. Unlike conventional textiles used for clothing or decoration, technical textiles are optimized to offer qualities such as strength, durability, flame resistance, chemical resistance, moisture management, and other specialized functionalities to meet the specific needs of diverse industries and sectors.

Layered clothing is the wearing of multiple garments on top of each other.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PrimaLoft</span>

PrimaLoft® is a brand of patented synthetic microfiber thermal insulation material that was developed for the United States Army in the 1980s. PrimaLoft is a registered trademark of PrimaLoft, Inc., the brand's parent company.

Many materials have been used to make garments throughout history. Grasses, furs and much more complex and exotic materials have been used. Cultures like the Arctic Circle, make their wardrobes out of prepared and decorated furs and skins.[1] Different cultures have added cloth to leather and skins as a way to replace real leather. A wide range of fibers, including natural, cellulose, and synthetic fibers, can be used to weave or knit cloth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Textile performance</span> Fitness for purpose of textiles

Textile performance, also known as fitness for purpose, is a textile's capacity to withstand various conditions, environments, and hazards, qualifying it for particular uses. The performance of textile products influences their appearance, comfort, durability, and protection. Different textile applications require a different set of performance parameters. As a result, the specifications determine the level of performance of a textile product. Textile testing certifies the product's conformity to buying specification. It describes product manufactured for non-aesthetic purposes, where fitness for purpose is the primary criterion. Engineering of high-performance fabrics presents a unique set of challenges.

References

  1. ↑ "Uspto Issues Trademark: Thinsulate." US Fed News Service, Including US State News. The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. 2017. HighBeam Research. 13 Sep. 2018
  2. ↑ Drell, Lauren. "How 3M Heats Up with Thinsulate". Mashable. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  3. ↑ Chadakoff, Rochelle (January 1979). Popular Science Magazine. Bonnier Corporation. pp. 134–136. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  4. ↑ Backpacker Magazine. California: Active Interest Media, Inc. October 1979.
  5. 1 2 3 Fiedler, Terry. "The quiet Thinsulate; 3M again capitalizes on both name, performance with brand extensions.(BUSINESS)." Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN). The Star Tribune Company. 1997. HighBeam Research. 13 Sep. 2018 <https://www.highbeam.com>.
  6. ↑ Feder, Barnaby J. (1982). "Technology; Catching Up With Down". The New York Times . Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  7. ↑ Feder, Barnaby J. "THE ARMY MAY HAVE MATCHED THE GOOSE". The New York Times . Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  8. ↑ Phil Gibson and Calvin Lee; Application Of Nanofiber Technology To Nonwoven Thermal Insulation, 01 NOV 2006, U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center Natick, Massachusetts 01760-5020.
  9. ↑ "What Is Thinsulate insulation?". 3M. Retrieved 2010-11-26.
  10. ↑ Davis, Luke. "3M Thinsulate Explained – Uses, Pros and Cons". Workwear.org. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
  11. ↑ Cornell, Susan (1 May 2003). "Uniform Fabric: Care and Cleaning". hignbeam.com. Law & Order. Retrieved 13 September 2018. If Thinsulate Insulation gets wet, it will still keep you warm. That's because Thinsulate Insulation retains its insulating ability in damp conditions. It absorbs less than one percent by weight of water, so it stays effective at keeping you warm-and it dries easily if it does become wet.
  12. ↑ Griffin, Steven A. (1997). The Camping Sourcebook: Your One-stop Resource for Everything You Need for Great Camping. Globe Pequot Press. ISBN   9780762700424 . Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  13. ↑ "Thinsulate Insulation" (PDF). indapac.com. 3M . Retrieved 15 December 2014.
  14. ↑ "Insulation properties of Thinsulate from 3M". rockywoods.com. Rockywoods Fabrics, LLC. Archived from the original on 2015-02-19.
  15. ↑ Calvi, Lisa (20 June 2012). "Lisa spends 90 minutes with "engrossing" Porsche Boxter S". The Chronicle Herald . Retrieved 15 December 2014.
  16. ↑ Woodcock, Roy (24 August 2018). "A sensational drive with the Jaguar F-Type". Hull Daily Mail. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  17. ↑ Karlen, Neal. "Beyond Wool And Down". The New York Times . Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  18. ↑ "Apparel International: The Journal of the Clothing and Footwear Institute". Apparel International. The Institute. 19–20: 8, 12, 28. 1990. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  19. ↑ Lebow, Joan. "Wool spurs rebound in coat action." WWD. Conde Nast Publications, Inc. 1986. HighBeam Research. 13 Sep. 2018 <https://www.highbeam.com>. (According to a spokesman for 3M Co., which produces Thinsulate, more than 30 fashion coat companies are using Thinsulate linings in their garments this year, 22 more than last year. Among the manufacturers testing the Thinsulate are several designer-price lines including Anne Klein Coats, George Simonton, Ilie Wacs and Nipon Coature. ... At Anne Klein Coats, Marty Blank, president, said the firm will use Thinsulate in 20 to 40 percent of its line, and particularly with lighter-weight fabrics.)
  20. ↑ Becker, Kraig (26 August 2018). "All of the high-tech materials that make modern outdoor gear great". Digital Trends. Design Technica/Digital Trends. Retrieved 13 September 2018. In 1979, 3M introduced a new synthetic insulation material called Thinsulate, which derived its name from the ability to provide warmth while remaining relatively thin. Thinsulate fibers are just 15 micrometers in diameter, which is substantially smaller than polyester, the material that is traditionally used as an insulating agent in outdoor clothing. Over the years, Thinsulate has found its way into boots and jackets, but is especially popular in glove and hats. The synthetic fibers are regarded as a high-performance alternative to down, in part because they are water resistant while remaining breathable too. Later iterations of Thinsulate included a flame-resistant version, a more waterproof alternative, and one that more closely mimics the properties of down.
  21. ↑ "3M featherless 'down' honored – Advanced Textiles Source". advancedtextilessource.com. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  22. ↑ Borneman, Jim. "Quality Fabric Of The Month: Warmth & Loft Without Feathers | Textile World". www.textileworld.com. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
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