PrimaLoft- it is a synthetic material that has high thermal insulation properties. When it was created Albany International very meticulously studied the structure of goose down and put it into the basis of the material PrimaLoft. The fibers of this insulation are very thin and look like goose down more than the fibers of any other synthetic material. It is this similarity that gives it the thermal properties of down. The thermal resistance coefficient for goose down is 2.18 and for PrimaLoft it is 2.15. This is a very high figure, because other synthetic fibers do not even come close to this value.

PrimaLoft fill has a long-fibre structure, thanks to which it restores its volume better and faster than similar materials. Even after a huge number of washes and dryers, the material does not deform. The fibers are endowed with water-repellent properties that help any liquid drain or evaporate. This ensures that PrimaLoft insulation products are always dry.

Laboratory tests have shown that PrimaLoft has exactly the same softness as goose down, and is much softer than similar thermal insulation materials. Thanks to this characteristic of the material, all products made from it take the necessary shape: clothes sit on the figure, and the blanket exclusively fits the body of a sleeping person.

Another great advantage of this material is that it breathes and allows moisture to evaporate. Its air gaps are very small for moisture to penetrate, but large in order to allow the moisture formed inside to evaporate. To keep a person warm, a small volume of PrimaLoft is enough.

It can be highly compressed, and this will not affect the quality and structure of the material. In a short period of time, the material completely returns to its original volume. According to the above parameters, PrimaLoft surpasses all its synthetic and natural counterparts. Of all the world-famous heaters, only PrimaLoft has the ability to retain moisture due to the silicone treatment of the fibers. Such insulation, in comparison with similar materials, absorbs 3 times less moisture, it is 14% warmer when dry and 24% warmer when wet.

Due to its long-fibre, down-like structure, the filling regains its volume better than other materials even after many washes and dries. The water-repellent properties of the microfibers help any liquid run off or evaporate, allowing the Primaloft® wearer to stay dry and warm at all times.

Scientific tests have shown that "Primaloft®" has the same softness as down and is significantly softer than other synthetic fibers. Due to the softness of this fiber, clothes made from it fit perfectly, and a blanket or sleeping bag hugs the body of the sleeper. Try the sample to the touch, and you yourself will feel how magnificent it is! This wonderful material not only repels water and retains volume when wet, it is breathable, allowing moisture to escape. Its microscopic air layers are too small for moisture to penetrate, but large enough to release moisture from the inside. A small amount of "Primaloft®" is quite enough to accumulate human heat. It can be strongly compressed, after which this material completely returns to its original volume. In these parameters, it surpasses both synthetic and natural materials.

Of the world brands - heaters, only PrimaLoft® has the property of not retaining moisture due to the silicone treatment of the fibers. As the table shows, the greater the number of fibers, the more the insulation absorbs moisture:

PrimaLoft PL1 - 75%
PrimaLoft Sport - 400%
Polarguard 3D - 500%
Thinsulate LiteLoft - 995%
MicroLoft (DuPont)-1730

Other well-known synthetic materials do not even come close to such indicators. Due to its long-fibre, down-like structure, the filling regains its volume better than other materials, even after many washes and dries. The water-repellent properties of the microfibers help any liquid run off or evaporate, allowing the Primaloft® wearer to stay dry and warm at all times.

Try the sample to the touch, and you yourself will feel how magnificent it is! This wonderful material not only repels water and retains volume when wet, it is breathable, allowing moisture to escape. Its microscopic air layers are too small for moisture to penetrate, but large enough to release moisture from the inside. A small volume of Primaloft® is enough to store human heat. It can be strongly compressed, after which this material completely returns to its original volume. In these parameters, it surpasses both synthetic and natural materials.

The human body has a normal temperature of 36.6 degrees Celsius but is often found in places that make it noticeably colder! PrimaLoft® retains your body heat to keep you warm and comfortable even in extreme cold.

As such, this lightweight, highly insulating, and quick-drying insulation is one of the leading insulators in the field of equipment and outerwear insulation.

There are several types of PrimaLoft insulation: Primaloft® One- this is one of the best insulating (insulating) materials. It is created using microfiber technology, the closest in performance to natural down in terms of structural, thermal and tactile characteristics. It is the only fill in which each fiber has a permanent, water resistant treatment.

Very thin fibers are specially processed using patented technologies and then woven to form an incredibly soft, lightweight and moisture-proof insulation.
PrimaLoft ®One absorbs 3x less water, is 14% warmer dry and 24% warmer wet than other materials.

PrimaLoft® Sport

PrimaLoft® Sport is a high quality insulation made with technologies that combine ultra-fine fibers and variable diameter fibers for maximum insulation performance. PrimaLoft® Sport - The technology behind PrimaLoft® Sport combines ultra-fine and variable diameter fibers to achieve these characteristics. Specially processed ultra-fine fibers provide a water-repellent structure, while variable diameter fibers help shape the material.

If your desire for a great weekend is to spend it in nature, PrimaLoft ® Sport allows you to feel comfortable, like you are at home, even when it gets wet.

PrimaLoft Eco- the heater created for fans of ecological materials. It is made from 50% recycled ultra-fine fibers and standard PrimaLoft fibers. In combination, the fibers create an effective heat-insulating and moisture-resistant structure. Clothing made with PrimaLoft Eco will keep its wearers dry, warm and comfortable.

PrimaLoft Infinity are heat-insulating blocks that can compress 20% more than similar insulating materials. This type of insulation has a fairly light and soft structure due to the use of ultra-thin fibers in the production. PrimaLoft Infinity has high thermal insulation and moisture resistance. The fibers, united by a single thread, prevent the appearance of cold spots in the insulating material and ensure the uniformity of the insulation structure over its entire surface. PrimaLoft Infinity provides excellent protection from the cold even when completely wet. This material retains its shape and quality even after numerous washes and dryers.

PrimaLoft Yarn- These are threads that are a mixture of PrimaLoft fibers and sheep's wool. This combination is most suitable for the manufacture of outerwear. PrimaLoft Yarn fibers are half the size of cashmere fibers for a softer feel. This material has the property of quickly absorbing moisture from the surface of the skin and bringing it to the surface of the fabric, and this provides additional dryness and comfort.

PrimaLoft SYNERGY is an advanced thermal insulation material, which is created on the basis of weaving fine and ultra-thin fibers and combining them into a single thread. The insulation has excellent thermal insulation characteristics. PrimaLoft SYNERGY is a moisture resistant material used in the manufacture of sleeping bags and outerwear.

Primaloft is a new synthetic material with excellent thermal insulation properties. Light and warm, it is durable, resistant to compression, well breathable and does not absorb moisture.

Primaloft One is used as an insulator for urban and outdoor clothing.

Primaloft Sport is used in the production of clothing designed for extreme conditions.

PrimaLoft Yarn® yarns are an optimal blend of PrimaLoft® fibers and soft lambswool. This combination makes this thread ideal for outdoor garments where maximum functionality and comfort are essential. PrimaLoft Yarn® fibers are half the diameter of regular cashmere fibers. This gives the threads a special softness. PrimaLoft Yarn® absorbs moisture 2 times faster than sheep's wool (NCSU vertical wicking test method)! PrimaLoft Yarn® dries up to 30% faster than sheep's wool (drying rate measured using ASTM D1776)! The hydrophobic properties of PrimaLoft® fiber, combined with the hydrophilic properties of wool, form a "force field" that pulls moisture away from the surface of the skin and pushes it to the surface of the fabric. The result is a perfect moisture wicking system to keep you dry and comfortable.

Synthetic insulation "Primaloft®" was developed by order of the US Army, which was looking for a replacement for down for sleeping bags and military clothing. As a result of research work that lasted three years, Albany International registered the brand "Primaloft®". Studies have shown that the new material has hygienic properties that are superior to traditional down.

When creating "Primaloft®", the structure of goose down microfibers was carefully studied and copied, which determined the thermal properties of the new fiber. The thermal resistance factor for down is 2.18 and for "Primaloft®" it is 2.15. Most other synthetic fibers are twenty times thicker and retain heat less than Primaloft® fiber. Other well-known synthetic materials do not even come close to such indicators.

Primaloft filler allows moisture to evaporate. Its microscopic air layers are too small for moisture to penetrate, but large enough to release evaporation from the inside.

The filler returns its volume better than other materials, even after repeated washing and drying. It can be strongly compressed, after which this material completely returns to its original volume.

A small amount of "Primaloft®" is enough to accumulate human heat.

According to www.prestigeokna.ru/

Synthetic insulation PrimaLoft© was developed by Albany International for the US Army as a quality replacement for down for workwear and sleeping bags. To date, PrimaLoft insulation has reliably conquered the market not only for army clothing, but also for the outdoor market.

First of all, PrimaLoft© insulation is lightweight and durable, and also has excellent thermal insulation properties. In addition, PrimaLoft is highly breathable, and its hygienic properties far exceed those of ordinary goose down. Such excellent results have been achieved due to the thermal properties of the new PrimaLoft microfibers, whose structure has been copied from goose down microfibers. Thus, the thermal resistance of goose down is 2.18, and for PrimaLoft insulation - 2.15, which indicates better thermal insulation of synthetic insulation compared to down. So far, not a single widely used synthetic insulation has come close to such indicators.

PrimaLoft insulation is great as a filler for outerwear or a sleeping bag, as it is lightweight and has a volume comparable to that of down. Compared to goose down, PrimaLoft insulation is water-repellent and hypoallergenic. Researchers at Albany International have also achieved excellent breathability properties of the insulation due to microscopic air gaps. On the surface of PrimaLoft microfibers, due to their very small size, air molecules accumulate, which provide high thermal insulation properties of the insulation with a relatively thin insulating layer. Thanks to these hollow fibers of large diameter, the so-called "Loft" is maintained during prolonged use, washing, compressing and drying.

Several types of PrimaLoft insulation are used in the outdoor industry:

- PrimaLoft© One

- PrimaLoft® Sport

- PrimaLoft Eco

- PrimaLoft Eco Footwear

- PrimaLoft Infinity

- PrimaLoft Yarn

- PrimaLoft SYNERGY

The following diagram shows R-value - the value of the thermal resistance of the insulating layer. Specified in CLO. The higher the R-value, the better the thermal insulation properties of the material.

PrimaLoft One

insulation PrimaLoft© One most often used as a heater, both for urban clothing and outdoor clothing for outdoor activities. In the production of PrimaLoft© One insulation, ultra-thin microfibers are used, which allow maintaining the thermal insulation properties of the insulation with low weight and volume. The thermal insulation properties of PrimaLoft© One dry are 0.92 clo/oz/yd2 and wet are 0.9 clo/oz/yd2 (the thermal insulation value is higher, the higher the thermal insulation characteristic of the material is). It is PrimaLoft© One that retains the greatest thermal insulation and practically does not lose it when wet. It protects against wind and dries faster than goose down.

Application of PrimaLoft© One:

• Outerwear
• Hats (Hat Men's Outdoor Research Inversion Beanie)
• Gloves (Black Diamond Enforcer Gloves)
• Accessories
• Sleeping bags
• Overalls
• Shoes

PrimaLoft Sport

insulation PrimaLoft® Sport used for the production of clothing and products for extreme conditions, as this type of insulation is thinner and lighter. The thermal insulation properties of PrimaLoft© Sport are 0.79 clo/oz/yd2 dry and 0.72 clo/oz/yd2 wet.

Application of PrimaLoft® Sport:

• Outerwear (Pants Splav "Quantum", Trousers Splav "Highlander")
• Hats
• Overalls (Jumpsuit Marmot 8000M Suit)
• Sleeping bags (Double sleeping bag Splav "Double 300", Sleeping bag Splav Fantasy 233)
• Military clothing

PrimaLoft Eco

PrimaLoft Eco- a heater created for lovers of environmental materials. It is made from 50% recycled ultra-fine fibers and standard PrimaLoft fibers. In combination, the fibers create an effective heat-insulating and moisture-resistant structure. Clothing made with PrimaLoft Eco will keep its wearers dry, warm and comfortable.

Application of PrimaLoft® Eco:

• Outerwear

PrimaLoft Eco Footwear

The eco-friendly PrimaLoft® thermal insulation option contains at least 50% recycled ultra-fine fiber material and combines with standard PrimaLoft® fibers to create a thermally efficient and water-resistant insulation structure. Due to the increased softness and ease of insulation, shoes that use PrimaLoft® Eco Footwear keep you dry and comfortable

Application of PrimaLoft® Eco:

• Shoes (Boots "Dixon" , Boots "Cobra" , Leather boots Splav "England" , Boots "Wolverine")

PrimaLoft Infinity

PrimaLoft Infinity are heat-insulating blocks that can compress 20% more than similar insulating materials. This type of insulation has a fairly light and soft structure due to the use of ultra-thin fibers in the production. PrimaLoft Infinity has high thermal insulation and moisture resistance. The fibers, united by a single thread, prevent the appearance of cold spots in the insulating material and ensure the uniformity of the insulation structure over its entire surface. PrimaLoft Infinity provides excellent protection from the cold even when completely wet. This material retains its shape and quality even after numerous washes and dryers.

Application of PrimaLoft® Infinity:

• Outerwear

PrimaLoft Yarn

PrimaLoft Yarn- These are threads that are a mixture of PrimaLoft fibers and sheep's wool. This combination is most suitable for the manufacture of outerwear. PrimaLoft Yarn fibers are half the size of cashmere fibers for a softer feel. This material has the property of quickly absorbing moisture from the surface of the skin and bringing it to the surface of the fabric, and this provides additional dryness and comfort.

Application of PrimaLoft® Yarn:

• Outerwear
• Socks (Lorpen SPFL Ski Primaloft Lightweight Thermal Socks (851))

PrimaLoft SYNERGY

PrimaLoft SYNERGY is an advanced thermal insulation material, which is created on the basis of weaving thin and ultra-thin fibers and combining them into a single thread. The insulation has excellent thermal insulation characteristics. PrimaLoft SYNERGY is a moisture resistant material used in the manufacture of sleeping bags and outerwear.

Application of PrimaLoft® SYNERGY:

• Outerwear
• Sleeping bags

Care instructions for products with PrimaLoft© insulation:

Follow these care instructions for garments made with PrimaLoft insulation. Machine wash and rinse in cold water on a delicate cycle. Tumble dry at medium temperature on a gentle spin cycle. Dry cleaning, bleaching, ironing or steaming is prohibited.

PrimaLoft® Sport is a high quality insulation made with technologies that combine ultra-fine fibers and variable diameter fibers for maximum thermal insulation performance.

PrimaLoft® Sport - The technology behind PrimaLoft® Sport combines ultra-fine and variable diameter fibers to achieve these characteristics. Specially processed ultra-fine fibers provide a water-repellent structure, while variable diameter fibers help shape the material.

If your desire for a great weekend is to spend it in nature, PrimaLoft ® Sport allows you to feel comfortable, like you are at home, even when it gets wet.

When creating Primaloft®, Albany Interional carefully studied the structure of goose down microfibers and copied it. The ultra-fine fibers of this material are similar to the structure of goose down fibers more than any other synthetic fiber. The similarity to goose down gives this fiber the thermal properties of down. The thermal resistance factor for down is 2.18 and for "Primaloft" 2.15. Other well-known synthetic materials do not even come close to such indicators.

Due to its long-fibre, down-like structure, the filling regains its volume better than other materials even after many washes and dries. The water-repellent properties of the microfibers help any liquid run off or evaporate, allowing the Primaloft® wearer to stay dry and warm at all times.

Scientific tests have shown that "Primaloft®" has the same softness as down and is significantly softer than other synthetic fibers. Due to the softness of this fiber, clothes made from it fit perfectly, and a blanket or sleeping bag hugs the body of the sleeper. Try the sample to the touch, and you yourself will feel how magnificent it is! This wonderful material not only repels water and retains volume when wet, it is breathable, allowing moisture to escape. Its microscopic air layers are too small for moisture to penetrate, but large enough to release moisture from the inside. A small amount of "Primaloft®" is quite enough to accumulate human heat. It can be strongly compressed, after which this material completely returns to its original volume. In these parameters, it surpasses both synthetic and natural materials.

Of the world brands - heaters, only PrimaLoft® has the property of not retaining moisture due to the silicone treatment of the fibers. As can be seen from the table, the greater the number of fibers, the more the insulation absorbs moisture:

PrimaLoft PL1 - 75%
PrimaLoft Sport - 400%
Polarguard 3D - 500%
Thinsulate LiteLoft - 995%
MicroLoft (DuPont)-1730%

What is the purpose of developing synthetic insulation in the presence of excellent natural materials? What provides them with heat-shielding properties? To choose the right clothes with a suitable insulation, you need to know their main types and features.

Synthetic insulation for clothes is a vast class of modern materials with heat-saving characteristics due to a special texture.

Initially, these air-filled nonwoven products appeared in the 70s of the last century as a cheaper alternative to natural options, but with the development of the polymer industry, they are increasingly more advanced in operation and more technologically advanced in processing.

It was completely forgotten and was not used outdoors for a long time, but now it is returning in a new quality and at a different technological level. For example, merino wool is used in the manufacture of thermal underwear, socks, middle layers of insulation and even outer layers of clothing (in the development or wool is one of the components of composite materials). Thus, against the background of the general spread of synthetic insulation, in particular cases, just the opposite processes can be observed.

Why, after all, in the bulk of clothing, natural heaters are being replaced by synthetic ones? The fluff remains, but for all its merits, it is an allergenic material. It is capricious in production and care - to “retain” it in clothes, it is necessary to use special fluff-retaining fabrics that prevent the migration of fibers, that is, they simply do not allow fluff to climb out of clothes. When wet, down loses its heat-shielding properties and dries for a very long time. And with frequent washing and active wear, it wears out into dust and falls off.

Wool is hypoallergenic, but can irritate the skin. It is subject to wear, shrinkage and is also afraid of water. Insulation with wool and fur makes clothes noticeably heavier, so this option is practically not used in clothes for such types of outdoor activities, where low weight and volume play a vital role, for example, in mountaineering equipment.

Wetting negates the heat-saving functions of almost any insulation. But air-filled synthetics work better than down or wool in high humidity conditions, having a very low hygroscopicity and performing their functions even when wet.

The main differences between natural and synthetic products can be summarized in the table:

The main differences between natural and synthetic insulation

Characteristic	natural insulation
Moisture absorption (hygroscopicity)	Absorbs moisture	Does not absorb moisture
Vapor permeability	high	Depends on type and brand
Hypoallergenic	May cause allergies	Does not cause allergies
Ability to accumulate static electricity	Down is not electrified. Wool is electrified	electrified
insect resistance	Low	high
Resistance to bacterial contamination	high	Low (requires treatment with silver salts)

Types of synthetic insulation

To successfully compete with natural materials, synthetic novelties must have:

low thermal conductivity of the fiber material;

light weight;

high porosity;

hypoallergenicity;

hygroscopicity close to zero;

good breathability;

resistance to microorganisms;

high elasticity and mechanical strength.

Polyester fibers differ in density, thickness, texture, twist type, which is why the choice of modern heaters is so diverse. Air-filled canvases are available in different thicknesses and densities for different weather conditions.

To improve wear resistance, a layer of insulation can be placed between thin non-woven fabrics - spunbond or non-woven.

Any changes, both in the design of the insulation layer in order to strengthen it, and in the form of twisting of the fiber, its length, allow manufacturers to patent more and more new brands that slightly differ from each other in their consumer parameters.

Consider the most famous types of synthetic insulation.

Sintepon

The synthetic winterizer is still the most common material for warming clothes. It is based on polyester fibers fastened together in various ways:

adhesive- connects the fibers with special glue;

thermal— fuses fibers by high temperature;

needle-punched- entangles the fibers with penetrating needles.

However, adhesive technology is slowly becoming a thing of the past, because the introduction of chemicals degrades environmental friendliness and adds weight. In addition, the adhesive is easily subjected to thermal degradation during washing and dry cleaning, so such products are short-lived.

Needle-punched synthetic winterizer is the most dense and durable among its counterparts. And the hot-melt version is not only the most environmentally friendly, but also allows you to offer consumers the lightest and most effective insulation.

But this insulation is heavy compared to more modern developments, it clumps after numerous washes, does not hold its shape well and has low vapor permeability.

The widespread use of synthetic winterizer is due to its versatility and satisfactory consumer qualities, such as low hygroscopicity and easy maintenance. At the same time, it is cheap and its production has long been mastered by industry.

The temperature threshold for using synthetic winterizer is -10 ° C, and in order to increase its heat-shielding properties, it is necessary to increase the thickness and weight. Most often, a sewing synthetic winterizer has a density of 60 to 300 g / m2 and is used for demi-season clothing.

holofiber

The trademark "Hollofiber" belongs to the only manufacturer - the Moscow plant "Termopol", and recently it celebrated its tenth anniversary. For warming clothes, a modification of the Hollofiber SOFT material is used.

This is an improved type of synthetic winterizer, characterized by environmental friendliness, increased elasticity and low weight. Quick restoration of the shape and the absence of residual deformations are ensured by the special structure of hollow fibers (hollow + fiber) in the form of multidirectional microsprings that move freely when pressed and dissipate the compression energy. Lightweight fibers create additional porosity, increasing the volume of air per unit of material, and thereby reduce thermal conductivity.

It is a heater with zero hygroscopicity and reliably protects at temperatures up to -25 °C. The thermal conductivity of Hollofiber is almost half that of a synthetic winterizer.

For clothing, a non-woven fabric with a density of 60-350 g/m2 is used, in which twisted fibers are pressed and joined by a hot-melt method, and the surface is processed between calender rolls to give smoothness and strength. This treatment prevents the migration of fibers from the insulation layer and makes it unnecessary to use additional insulating coatings.

The thermal conductivity of the insulation is related to its density, and this must be taken into account in the first place when choosing clothes. At the same time, a comparison of heaters of different brands in terms of density will not be correct, because the thermal conductivity of, say, synthetic winterizer and Hollofiber is different at the same density.

thinsulate

Thinsulate is an innovative material similar in terms of thermal saving to natural fluff, but at the same time devoid of its shortcomings. It holds its shape well, is hypoallergenic and absolutely sterile. It is also called artificial swan down. Just as birds smear their feathers with a special substance to protect them from getting wet, so this type of fiber is coated with silicone for the same purpose. This not only provides one hundred percent protection against moisture, but also easy sliding of the fibers during deformation.

Its feature is excellent vapor conductivity, so the material protects against hypothermia even at a temperature of -30 ° C with active movement. It copes well with, effectively removing excess heat.

This is the thinnest of modern heaters with similar thermal insulation properties. It does not absorb odors, does not shrink and dries quickly after washing, completely restoring its shape.

To harden the surface and better secure when sewing clothes, some modifications of Thinsulate are produced with one- and two-sided padding made of cellulose fiber - interlining. Thickness of Thinsulate is from 100 to 230 g/m2, and today it is the lightest and most effective synthetic insulation.

Initially, the material was developed by 3M by order of NASA for astronauts back in the 70s. Its production from the thinnest, spirally twisted, highly siliconized fiber with a thickness of up to 10 microns is still expensive, so this material is mainly used for the production of professional outdoor clothing for extreme sports enthusiasts and polar explorers.

Fibertech

Firetec is a Belarusian brand of non-woven fabric made from hollow polyester fibers. The treatment of highly crimped short fibers with silicone allows them to easily slide relative to each other without deforming, without caking and quickly recovering their shape. The density of 200-400 g/m2 provides an optimal ratio of air capsules and fiber, so the material has excellent heat-shielding properties.

Often the canvas is reinforced on both sides with a spunbond - a thin non-woven fabric made of polypropylene, which gives additional strength to this kind of sandwich. Fibertek is an environmentally friendly, breathable material that perfectly protects against 40-degree frost, however, in this case, the thickness of the insulation layer will be greater than that of Thinsulate. The technology does not involve the use of adhesives, so it is absolutely hypoallergenic.

Compared to synthetic winterizer, Fibertek is lighter, dimensionally stable, and compared to Hollofiber, it is more durable, since thermal bonding of fibers is not used in its manufacture. After deformation, the insulation restores its shape by 100%, and even after three washes, its shrinkage does not exceed 3%. It is used mainly for special clothing, but its price is lower than that of Thinsulate.

Isosoft

Synthetic insulation under the Belgian trademark Isosoft is produced by Libeltex from ultra-thin fibers that form a dense structure. A double-sided spunbond coating is additionally applied to the surface, which prevents displacement and deformation of the fibers during operation. This contributes to good combinability with various cover and lining fabrics.

This plastic, hypoallergenic material reliably warms at temperatures down to -20 ° C, is easy to wash and dries quickly. The most demanded density for warming clothes is 200-300 g / m2. One layer of isosoft in terms of its heat-saving parameters replaces four layers of traditional synthetic winterizer.

PrimaLoft

Albany International's PrimaLoft ® brand of innovative synthetic insulation was originally intended for the US military. The manufacturing technology is the know-how of the manufacturer, but it is known that high consumer characteristics have been achieved by combining long ultra-thin polyester fibers with a special water-repellent coating and variable cross-section fibers.

Imitation of natural fluff allows you to create a highly porous structure, strong and elastic, quickly restores volume and dries faster than the natural prototype.

The Primaloft material is just as light, but practically does not absorb water. Therefore, military development very quickly found application in outdoor clothing, as well as in the equipment of fishermen, hunters, making their stay in extreme conditions as comfortable as possible.

Clothing with Primaloft remains dry at any ambient humidity, it effectively removes excess heat and moisture from the body during active movement.

PrimaLoft ® Sport, PrimaLoft ® One and PrimaLoft ® Infinity varieties are used for warming clothes. They differ in the percentage of fibers of different thicknesses and, accordingly, in specific gravity, caking and wear resistance. PrimaLoft ® One is considered the lightest and warmest, it is most often used in activewear, and it holds its shape best and is characterized by increased wear resistance of PrimaLoft ® Sport. Therefore, as a rule, it is this variety that is used in the manufacture of clothing for extreme conditions, shoes and sports equipment.

In 2014, PrimaLoft ® partnered with The North Face ® to launch the new Thermoball ® insulation. Its peculiarity lies in the structure of fibers that imitate the texture of fluffs. Rounded balls of PrimaLoft ® Thermoball ® synthetic fiber hold heat as well as natural down, but are much more resistant to moisture and dry quickly.

In addition to synthetic insulators, PrimaLoft ® developed and began to produce hybrid insulation series PrimaLoft ® Gold Insulation Down Blend and PrimaLoft ® Silver Insulation Down Blend. In the "golden" line, the ultra-fine Primaloft fiber is mixed with natural goose down in a ratio of 30/70; and in the "silver" - 40/60. In hybrid insulation, the beneficial properties of natural and synthetic fibers are combined in such a way that the final result allows achieving the maximum efficiency of thermal insulation of the material. In addition, hybrid heaters are cheaper than down ones.

Very often, Primaloft is compared with Thinsulate, and among lovers of high-quality outdoor clothing, disputes do not subside. Objective tests have not yet been carried out, but one thing is known for sure - both materials retain heat equally well and surpass natural heaters in performance parameters.

Mixed heaters

Despite the obvious shortcomings of the outdated synthetic winterizer, manufacturers seek to improve its thermal insulation properties and environmental friendliness by adding up to 70% natural camel and sheep wool fibers to the thermally bonded fabric. This is how Shersticron is obtained, the wind protection of which is three times higher than that of a synthetic winterizer, with excellent vapor permeability and low moisture absorption. This material is lighter than pure wool, but at the same time has similar heat-shielding properties.

In order to increase environmental friendliness, polyester fibers are sometimes combined with cotton. These materials include the little-known Italian insulation Valtherm on the Russian market. It is a plastic, breathable and warm material with a special cellular structure, used in children's and sportswear.

Care rules

Caring for synthetic insulation is almost the same for all brands and is not difficult.

Fundamental rules:

1. exclude chlorine-containing detergents;
2. washing temperature 30-40 °C;
3. dry in a vertical, straightened state in the air.

Unlike natural materials, synthetic counterparts dry quickly, do not shrink or go astray.

Summary

Synthetic heaters are more convenient and practical than natural ones, but they are still inferior to them in terms of heat saving efficiency.

The basis for the production of synthetic insulation are polyester fibers.

The heat-shielding properties of the insulating layer are provided by a porous structure, and the more pores per unit area, the more effective the material.

Types of synthetic insulation differ in thickness and density, as well as crimp and additional surface treatment of polyester fiber.

• Other materials can be applied to the surface of non-woven fabrics of heaters to give additional strength.