Description and structure of synthetic down
Among other artificial materials, synthetic fluff stands out for its special softness and airiness. It consists of many very fine polyester fibers. Each hair, despite its minimal thickness, has an internal void or cavity. Therefore, the fabric produced is voluminous and light at the same time. The surface of the artificial down fibers is smooth, with a silicone film applied on top.
During the production process, the fibers are twisted into a spiral or ball shape.
Important! No glue or other chemicals are used in the production of synthetic fluff.
What is better synthetic fluff or holofiber?
Synthetic fluff and holofiber are synthetic fillers with similar characteristics. They differ in the form that polyester fibers take after manufacturing: synthetic fluff is twisted into springs, and holofiber is twisted into balls.
Holofiber is manufactured using different technologies. Thermally produced material is inferior to synthetic fluff in terms of caring for products with this filler. Hollow fiber cannot be washed at high temperatures, since the adhesive composition dissolves and the connection between the fibers is lost. As a result, the product ceases to be elastic and loses softness.
You may be interested to know what holofiber is, its features, advantages and disadvantages.
There are no restrictions for synthetic fluff, but its cost is slightly higher than the price of holofiber.
Properties of artificial filler
Thanks to its structure, the material has received the following valuable qualities:
- Lightness caused by numerous air bubbles that fill the space between the fibers. The voids in the fibers themselves give the material additional airiness and weightlessness.
- Low hygroscopicity created by cavities in the fibers. Their sizes are so small that drops of moisture cannot penetrate inside. The outer walls of the fibers do not get wet either, because they are protected by silicone.
- Fibers twisted into spirals or balls have spring properties. When squeezed, they quickly expand and retain their original shape.
Advantages of synthetic filler
The properties of the fibers allowed the fabric to occupy a leading position among a variety of insulation and fillers.
Advantages of the material:
- Air layers provide high thermal insulation of the material, so things with synthetic down are very warm and protect well from low temperatures. At the same time, they allow the filler to “breathe”. This breathability ensures comfortable thermoregulation for the body.
- The silicone layer on the threads gives the artificial material all the properties of goose down. Synthetic down is a water-repellent material, thanks to this, things with it are difficult to get wet.
- The fibers also do not accumulate static electricity and do not retain odors.
- The elasticity of fibers is an important quality for clothing. The insulation in it does not crumple or get knocked down, things do not stretch, but retain their shape well when used.
Important! Wet clothes and other items with synthetic down dry faster than items with other fillings.
Holofiber
What is holofiber insulation? This is, first of all, a modern and at the same time inexpensive material. It is used both for filling winter jackets and coats, and for stuffing pillows, furniture, soft toys, etc.
Advantages
The main advantages of holofiber:
- easy
- does not cause allergies
- low price
- does not bunch up when washing
- ease of care of the item
Holofiber insulation is used for both women's, men's and children's clothing. It can be used to insulate down jackets, jackets, trousers, winter ski suits, gloves, mittens, etc. It is advisable that the lining of a down jacket with holofiber filling be made of fabric - because... The material itself does not allow air to pass through very well; a fabric lining helps reduce this disadvantage, because the fabric “breathes” and helps improve thermoregulation in such clothing.
Temperature
Holofiber insulation, depending on the density of the material, is designed for ambient temperatures from +10 to -30 degrees. from a list of material densities and temperatures for which it is designed:
- density 100 g/sq.m. — from +10°С to +5°С
- density 150 g/sq.m. — from +5°С to -10°С
- density 200 g/sq.m. — from -10°С to -20°С
- density 300 g/sq.m. – from -20°С to -30°С
If you choose a winter down jacket with artificial holofiber insulation, then it is better to pay attention to insulation with a density of 300 g/sq.m. But for a demi-season jacket or coat, insulation with a density of 150 g/sq.m is sufficient.
Holofiber insulation can be washed in a washing machine, and the water temperature can be up to 80 C. But since it is worth taking into account the wear and tear of the outer fabric of a jacket or down jacket, perhaps the optimal temperature for washing will be 40 C. Holofiber straightens out well after washing and spinning.
Safety level of synthetic fur
Synthetic fluff is absolutely safe and suitable for almost everyone: the material does not cause allergic reactions.
In addition to being hypoallergenic, it has another quality that is important for human health - it does not collect dust. The structure and properties of the fibers do not allow dust to accumulate, so conditions favorable for dust mites do not arise.
Important! Using items with synthetic down filling will not cause complications in patients with bronchial asthma and other pulmonary diseases.
Use of synthetic down
The qualities of synthetic down have made it a material that is used very widely.
Cloth
Winter clothes with artificial down are very warm and light. It holds its shape well and does not restrict movement, so it is convenient for outdoor activities and sports.
Bed dress
Blankets, pillows, and mattresses with such contents are practical and create conditions for healthy sleep and comfortable rest. The properties of the material are especially appreciated by tourists, for whom a lightweight synthetic down sleeping bag reliably protects them from the cold.
Furniture
A special type of synthetic fluff (compacted) is used in the manufacture of upholstered furniture. The elastic material copes well with the functions of the filler; its low cost is important, this makes the products inexpensive for the buyer.
Toys
Synthetic fluff turned out to be very convenient for filling bulky children's toys. Even a child can easily move them, they do not cause injury, and are pleasant to the touch.
Needlework
Handicraftsmen also loved the lush and elastic filler. They use it to make small thought pillows, pincushions, and also to fill homemade dolls.
Review of the most modern synthetic insulation for winter down jackets
The cold weather is approaching, and now more than ever the question of purchasing a comfortable, fashionable and at the same time warm down jacket is relevant. We will talk about the most modern insulation materials for this type of outerwear, their properties and application below.
A down jacket is one of the most practical options for outerwear for winter. It does not require such careful care as fur, it is much lighter than a sheepskin coat and warmer than a winter coat. At the same time, you can always find an inexpensive down jacket that combines good price and quality. In this material we will look at the most modern options for synthetic insulation for winter down jackets.
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Rules for caring for synthetic fluff
The artificial filler is easy to use and does not require special care.
Following simple rules will extend the life of use and preserve the quality of the material.
Wash
The products can be washed either by hand or in the drum of a washing machine. Acceptable washing mode: delicate.
Important! You can wash things in hot water, maximum temperature up to +90 °C, using a mild liquid detergent.
Spin
After washing, you need to wring out the items carefully, without any effort that could damage the structure of the fibers. Machine spinning is also possible.
Drying
Dry clothes and blankets in an upright position. To prevent things from looking wrinkled when drying, they need to be placed loosely and the folds carefully straightened out.
Important! Synthetic fluff can be dried only in natural conditions, without exposure to the rays of the open sun, without the use of heating devices.
Sintepon: affordable heat
Synthetic winterizer is a lightweight, elastic, voluminous non-woven synthetic insulation material that has been successfully replacing natural materials such as down, feathers and sheep’s wool for several decades.
The technological process for producing padding polyester is based on bonding polyester fibers into a homogeneous fabric in one of three ways:
- Adhesive, using a latex composition.
- Needle-punched - on machines with special equipment.
- Thermal - under the influence of high temperatures.
The latter method is considered the most effective, since the canvas becomes especially durable and dimensional stable. The insulation obtained as a result of thermal soldering is called Eurosynthepon.
The density scale of padding polyester fabrics is quite large - from 40 to 1500 g/cm3. To insulate various products, they are laid out in layers and fastened together.
Synthetic winterizer is a popular insulation material because it has a number of positive properties:
- light weight compared to wool insulation and batting;
- resistance to various deformations;
- high thermal insulation qualities;
- low hygroscopicity;
- low melting point.
The undoubted advantage of padding polyester is the low cost of production, which makes all products with it affordable in price.
However, padding polyester also has negative qualities, and very significant ones:
- the use of adhesive compositions makes the insulation unsafe for the body, since, when destroyed during washing, glue particles can cause allergic reactions;
- during the washing process, the synthetic fibers form clumps, which are very difficult to “fluff”;
- the material does not allow air to pass through well, so synthetic coats and jackets are not suitable for particularly low temperatures - you can freeze in them;
- padding polyester fibers are able to “migrate” and seep through the outer fabric, giving clothes an unkempt and unpresentable appearance;
- Very often, second-grade raw materials are used for the production of synthetic winterizer, which significantly reduces both the quality and service life of the products.
However, synthetic winterizer still remains one of the most popular insulating materials used in many industries.
Scope of application
Due to its operational and heat-saving characteristics, as well as the optimal price-quality ratio, synthetic winterizer is used:
- in the production of upholstered furniture as a layer in sofas, armchairs, poufs and other products;
- for sewing sleeping bags, tents and various camping equipment;
- in the footwear industry for insulation of quilted winter boots;
- when sewing outerwear - children's and adult jackets, coats, overalls;
- as a filler for blankets, mattresses and pillows;
- in construction – for insulating individual elements of buildings.
Product care
Compliance with the rules of care for things insulated with padding polyester will significantly extend their service life and maintain their original appearance.
- It is best to wash by hand using liquid detergents that do not contain chlorine.
- You cannot soak clothes or bedding with padding polyester.
- When washing in a machine, you need to select a mode for delicate laundry. The water temperature should not exceed 400C.
- Synthetic winterizers cannot be twisted. Clothes are hung loosely on hangers and allowed to drain.
- During machine washing, the spin and dry modes must be turned off.
- If clothes need ironing, then this must be done carefully: set the iron regulator to minimum heat and iron through a cotton cloth.
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