Thinsulate

Thinsulate is a trademark of the 3M Corporation for a heat insulating fleece made of synthetic fiber, which is mainly used as lining for clothing, such as gloves or winter jackets. The word is a compound term from (English) thin & insulate ( German: thin & insulate ). The material was brought on the market for the first time in 1979.

Properties

Thinsulate fibers have about 15 micrometers (microns ) in diameter, are thus more finely than ordinary polyester fibers, and are, therefore, can be handled with greater density. As with all insulation materials reduces the space between the fibers heat ( out) flow, so that in a pleasant degree heat is retained, while moisture such as Can escape sweat.

The manufacturer indicates that - with the same material thickness - Thinsulate once or twice as well as insulating goose down while receiving much less water and also is elastic.

Thinsulate fabrics are produced from various polymer blends. Most are predominantly polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or a mixture thereof with polypropylene (PP). Other varieties sometimes contain polyethylene terephthalate polyethylene isophthalate copolymer and acrylic fibers.

Thinsulate is also used in the roof lining fabric of the recent Porsche Boxster. This additional layer is supposed to not only reduce the heat loss, but also the noise level in the vehicle by 50%.