Laboratory Evaluation of Two New High-Performance Polyester Batting InsulationMaterials

摘要

Two synthetic insulating materials developed for military clothing and sleepingbags by Albany International Research Co. (AIRC) were evaluated by the U.S. Army Natick RD&E Center (Natick). The materials consist of polyester fiber in two forms: a bonded staple-fiber batt, and a spread continuous filament tow. The materials were evaluated for thermal, compressive, and water repellent properties. Laundering durability was also assessed. A commercially available synthetic insulation and waterfowl down were evaluated at the same time to allow a direct comparison. The bonded stable fiber insulation performed very well in all laboratory testing, but suffered a significant degradation in properties after 10 cycles of military field laundering. The continuous filament insulation performed well in all areas except for deficiencies in water repellent properties. The continuous filament insulation suffered less of a degradation from military field laundering than the bonded staple fiber insulation. Keywords: Thermal insulation, Cold weather clothing, Down, Sleeping bags, Military clothing, Polyester fibers, Laundry operations, Protective clothing. (SDW)