Bio-fluff in outerwear: temperature conditions, reviews

One of the main characteristics of winter outerwear is its ability to retain heat.
In this case, it is desirable that the weight and thickness of the products be as small as possible. For this purpose, natural down and feathers are traditionally used as natural insulation. They remain relevant and in demand in the sewing business today. But, along with the development of the chemical industry, artificial fillers made from synthetic materials have also become widespread. Their main feature is that they retain heat no worse than the classic options, but at the same time they are much cheaper, have properties that are more attractive to the consumer and have fewer disadvantages. Bio-fluff is recognized as the best of them today. What it is, reviews about the material, its properties, where it is used and how to care for clothes made from it can be found in our article.

Using eco-down: insulating things

Bio-down is an excellent insulation material; it is actively used in tailoring. It is used in the manufacture of:

Winter equipment;
Insulated winter sports suits (for skiing, snowboarding, etc.);
Sleeping bags;
Clothes for winter fishing and hunting;
Men's, women's and children's winter outerwear.

Any down jacket, jacket, coat and other clothing protects well from low temperatures, retains its shape, does not deform or become thin. Light weight ensures freedom of movement even in the most severe frosts.

From reviews of this insulation

Features of eco-down care

Bio-down insulation is particularly resistant to thinning, lump formation and deformation. Therefore, it is easy to care for the material. Items with bio-down insulation can be washed in a machine or by hand.

The filler will last a long time if you adhere to the following rules:

Set the water temperature to no more than 40 degrees;
Set the spin mode to no more than 600 rpm;
Dry washed clothes naturally, but not in direct sunlight, without using a heater or heating radiators;
It is allowed to use conditioner when rinsing things;
It is recommended to use liquid powders, they do not leave stains;
It is recommended to set an additional rinse mode to completely remove the powder;
It is recommended that hard-to-reach places (pockets, areas around fasteners, etc.) be pre-treated with laundry soap.

Expert opinion

Mikhailov Ivan Maksimovich

Furniture maker. Work experience 3 years.

When washing by hand, similar principles are followed (water temperature is taken into account, liquid powder is used, and dried naturally). It is also necessary to rinse the clothes several times to remove all the powder.

During the process, the item cannot be compressed, as creases may form. When washing by hand, it is recommended to initially dry clothes in a horizontal position, placing a towel under them and turning them over periodically.

And only when the water has drained can the product be hung.

Dried clothes can be ironed. The temperature to which the iron can be heated depends on the outer fabric. Ironing with steam is allowed.

It is forbidden to store things with bio-down insulation in a vacuum bag for a long time. This can lead to creases and deformation.

Thus, bio-down in outerwear is an excellent insulation option. The material reliably protects from bad weather, is durable, retains its properties and shape for a long time. And numerous positive user reviews confirm this.

The popularity of environmentally friendly materials quickly penetrated into the technology of sewing warm clothes. Among such materials, it is worth highlighting bio-down, which has become actively used as a natural raw material.

Bio-down does not lag behind animal undercoat in terms of operational and technical features. For people with allergies, this material is a real find, which will not let you freeze even in severe frosts.

Ironing and storage conditions

Outerwear is ironed. First, the filler is straightened in different directions. The device is set to a delicate mode, which depends on the type of outer fabric. In cases where the surface may be damaged under the influence of high temperature, use gauze or the steaming function.

Attention!

When down jackets or down jackets hang in the closet for a long period, vacuum bags should not be used. Long-term compression under pressure from other things deforms the product. It is better to store it on hangers in a straightened form. Every year in summer, in dry weather, it is recommended to ventilate clothes in the shade in a draft.

Bio-down in outerwear is a warm, elastic filler that is soft to the touch. With many advantages, it is popular. Clothes are created according to the latest fashion trends. Insulation is used for sewing both casual clothing and professional equipment.

We recommend watching a short video with tips on caring for a down jacket:

What is bio-down: properties, care features

Few people know where this material is obtained from. For its production, plant raw materials are used, which allows us to confidently assert that the insulation is hypoallergenic and does not pose any danger during use.

The fibers of the material have a spherical three-dimensional appearance, and the bio-down itself has a silky shape and does not wrinkle.

The material fully meets all sanitary and environmental standards and is responsible for the comfort of wearing things.

The filler has found its use since the 70s of the 20th century. Artificial down was used as a filler for winter clothes, and its characteristics were adjusted to the harshest weather and working conditions.

Due to its lightness and ease of maintenance, the material has actively gained popularity among potential buyers.

Advantages of bio-down:

The filler retains heat well (it is slightly warmer compared to its counterpart) even at -30 degrees below zero.
Bio-down does not pass through the fabric lining and does not lose its original shape and volume. With constant wear, it does not become thinner and does not bunch up.
The material is light in weight, which is why the clothes do not seem heavy and do not interfere with free movement.
Not picky about care. Clothes made from this insulation can be washed both by hand and in a washing machine. After washing, bio-down does not clump and dries in a relatively short time.
The material does not allow moisture to pass through and copes well with harsh weather.
The filler is not capable of causing allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching, redness, and does not retain foreign aromas.
The elasticity of bio-down prevents clothing from changing.
The insulation is also wear-resistant, which makes it practical to wear.

If we talk about the temperature conditions that the material can withstand, it depends on the individual characteristics of the human body and its ability to withstand frost, which also differ in a particular climate zone.

Any materials should be selected individually, based on your own sensitivity to cold.

All of the above advantages allow us to confidently give preference to bio-down as the main insulation for warm clothes, which is in no way inferior to wool or natural down fillings.

Any material is not without its drawbacks, and bio-down is no exception. However, its disadvantages are insignificant.

These include: easy flammability and duration of removal of water from the body.

Practical use of bio-down

The main purpose of the filler is to provide a warming effect and protect from frost, winds and other adverse weather conditions.

The area of use of bio-down is quite wide. They fill women's and men's winter clothing, namely:

jackets, down jackets, coats;
warm sports suits;
hats;
gloves.

At what temperature should I wear it?

Expert opinion

Mikhailov Ivan Maksimovich

Furniture maker. Work experience 3 years.

In extremely cold weather, clothing made from bio-down retains heat well, does not cause discomfort and does not interfere with free movement.

The material is also used in the production of travel kit (sleeping bags, blankets, pillows). Due to their small size, the products are easy to carry and can be stored wrapped.

The material is also highly resistant to moisture, which allows it to be used in the production of boots and boots.

Shoes made from bio-down are very comfortable, practical, your feet will not freeze at low temperatures, you can easily walk long distances without feeling tired.

Winter clothes and other products made from this filler have a fairly attractive appearance, giving an elegant appearance.

Features of washing things made from bio-down

When wearing things, exposed to snow, rain, they sooner or later need proper care. It should be washed and cleaned.

People who have clothes made from bio-down begin to wonder how to care for this insulation so as not to harm the quality of the product, which sometimes happens with things made from natural down or wool. The material is easy to handle both hand washing and washing in a washing machine.

In order not to spoil the appearance of winter clothes, it is worth considering several important instructions when washing things in the machine:

When washing clothes in a machine, the water temperature should not be higher than 40 degrees;
the selected spin mode should not exceed 600 rpm;
To dry clothes after washing, it is advisable to give preference to natural conditions by hanging clothes to dry in the fresh air. Important! Clothes made from bio-down should not be placed on heating devices or left in direct sunlight;
When rinsing, you can use conditioner to soften;
clothes can be dry cleaned (the label usually contains detailed care instructions from the manufacturer);
It is advisable to wash with liquid powder; dry washing may leave small stains;
At the time of washing, it is better to set an additional rinse mode to completely wash the powder from the clothes.

If the clothes are large enough to fit into the washing machine, you can wash them by hand in the bathroom. This method makes it possible to influence every contaminated place.

However, this will require a little more effort and time. When washing clothes by hand, there are also recommendations.

Despite the popularity of natural fillers, synthetic insulation is increasingly used when sewing clothes. This is due not only to their affordable price, but also to the absence of the disadvantages inherent in natural fillers - allergenicity and difficult care.

Bio-down is one of the most popular fillings for women's clothing, characterized by excellent performance properties and a relatively affordable price. What kind of material is this and how to care for it?

History of bio-fluff

No one invented biofluff on purpose; the birth of the material happened by accident.
In the early 70s, at a factory for the production of American adhesive tape (scotch tape), one day they mixed the working mass as usual. But at some point in the technological process, an unexpected error occurred, and the result was a porous synthetic biopolymer with unique characteristics. The “inventors” themselves did not need it, but the American chemical giant DuPont became interested in the substance. The substance with an unusual structure was patented under the name Sorona and formed the basis of a new synthetic material, which over time, after undergoing special tests and improvements, took its final form. Chemists gave it the name biofluff.

This unique development was so successful that in 1973, NASA employees used bio-down in their space program as insulation for astronaut suits. The material came from the world of high technology to the average consumer in 1979, when it went on sale under the trademark “Thinsulate,” registered by the American and DuPont. From that moment on, the material began to be widely used as a filler for sports winter and casual clothing.

What bio-fluff is is known to many consumers. According to statistics, this material remains the No. 1 synthetic filler, guaranteeing the highest level of protection from the cold.

Composition and production of bio-down

The prefix “bio” means that the material is made from organic raw materials through fermentation and the creation of polymer fibers and threads, twisted in a spiral and coated with silicone. Thanks to this treatment, they become elastic and resistant to deformation - they instantly restore their shape after compression.

To increase the resistance of the insulation to falling, moisture, mechanical stress, etc., polyester, polyethylene styrene and meta-aramid fibers are added to its composition.

Next, the threads are combined into a light fluffy mass.

Methods of obtaining

The bio-down production process consists of several stages:

The main raw material for the production of the material is Sorona fiber. The finest thread is formed from polyester fibers;
After which they are twisted spirally and acquire a three-dimensional structure, due to which elasticity and resistance to compression are ensured;
Then the intermediate blanks are treated with a thin silicone layer that retains air molecules. This ensures thermal insulation of the filler;
In some cases, during the production of bio-down, additional components (fibers) may be added to the composition to impart special properties: Polyethylene styrene;
Polyolefin;
Meta-aramid.

The final stage of production is aimed at knocking the processed threads together and creating an airy, fluffy white mass. Changing production stages allows you to create several varieties of material for specific purposes.

What does this insulation look like and what properties does it have?

The fluff looks like a mass of voluminous white balls with a silky texture. Its softness may make it seem like cotton wool, but it is also characterized by elasticity and springiness. It is distinguished by such properties as:

low thermal conductivity - you can walk in clothes with dense insulation even at a temperature of -35 degrees;
lightness - despite its bulk, even the densest insulation is characterized by weightlessness, therefore it is often used for sewing children's clothing;
elasticity and elasticity - the spiral shape of the threads allows them to instantly restore their shape after mechanical stress;
high wear resistance - the tight fit of the fibers to each other prevents them from spreading during wear and sticking out through the lining;
hygiene – the material does not accumulate dust and is immune to pathogenic flora;
hypoallergenic, thanks to which these products can be worn even by people with allergies to natural down and wool;
moisture resistance - liquid flows from the surface treated with silicone, so it is impossible to get wet in these clothes.

The disadvantages of bio-down include:

deformation under the influence of high temperatures - these items should not be washed in hot water and dried near heating devices;
moderate hygroscopicity - the material does not remove moisture from the body well enough, so it is necessary to select the density of the insulation in accordance with the air temperature;
the bulkiness of the dense filler, which makes the item somewhat bulky and can create discomfort when worn;
the high cost of the relatively popular padding polyester and even some natural fillers, but lower than that of Thinsulate and Isosoft.

Why is bio-down better than other fillers - natural and synthetic?

Comparing bio-down with other materials, they note its practicality and ability to dry quickly after washing. For example, a coat with natural insulation can take several days to dry; a jacket with artificial down, placed in a well-ventilated place, dries in a day.

Such a disadvantage as the relative high cost is compensated by softness and high wear resistance, which is especially valuable for winter outerwear, which is bought for more than one season.

Eco-down is most often compared to natural down - swan, duck or eider down. Experts note the high wear resistance and ability to warm well in cold weather of these materials, but also point to the ease of care of the eco-material and the capriciousness of the natural filler.

In addition, there is a risk of buying a jacket with fake or low-quality natural filling: according to the standard, the ratio of feather to down in such filling should be 20% and 80%. The advantage of bio-down is also its hypoallergenicity.

In terms of shape and method of retaining heat, biodown is most similar to holofiber. The fibers of both fillers have a spiral structure and are formed into balls, which allows them to quickly restore their shape after compression and retain heat.

Holofiber is cheaper than bio-down, but is characterized by lower wear resistance. Such things deform faster and stop heating, so it is better to choose products with down.

A popular filler for winter outerwear is synthetic down (synthetic down). Like bio-down, this insulation is characterized by a springy fiber structure and spherical shape, lightness, good thermal insulation and, importantly, a lower price.

The difference between them lies in different degrees of wear resistance: synthetic down quickly loses its performance properties due to frequent washing, while bio-down retains its shape even after 10 washes.

These affordable, practical and lightweight materials have a loose structure and do not tolerate washing well. With frequent contact with moisture, they roll up, lose their elasticity and thermal insulation characteristics. Items with these fillings are not suitable for severe frosts, so the best option is to buy two items for different weather conditions.

Biopooh is inferior in performance characteristics to isosoft and Thinsulate. The thermal insulation properties of Thinsulate and Isosoft are significantly superior to those of most natural fillers: they are able to maintain body heat at air temperatures down to -60 degrees, which is why they are used for sewing workwear.

A significant advantage of bio-down over these materials is its more affordable price.

What temperature is bio-fluff designed for?

Expert opinion

Mikhailov Ivan Maksimovich

Furniture maker. Work experience 3 years.

At what temperature can artificial down items be worn? This depends on human heat transfer, the density of the upper material and the thickness of the insulation. Depending on the density, the packing can withstand the following temperature conditions:

thin, up to 100 g/sq. m and -10 degrees – used for sewing demi-season clothing;
medium thickness, up to 200 g/sq. m and -15 degrees - the most popular type of padding used in the manufacture of winter outerwear;
dense, up to 400 g/sq. m and -35 degrees – used for sewing workwear.

Cause of occurrence and characteristics of the material

Bio-down dupont sorona was created from a biopolymer by two companies ZM Thinsulate, DuPont. The invention was discovered by accident. During the production process, a substance for adhesive tape was prepared. The synthetic material appeared due to errors. The quality of raw materials is constantly improving. It began to be used in the manufacture of outerwear.

When wondering what bio-down is, you need to know that it is an insulation material that contains constantly renewable natural elements. They undergo special processing. A patent has been received for the production process, which meets established standards.

The material is environmentally friendly. Regularly renews itself in the environment. The technological process is unique. During manufacturing, it was possible to reduce the consumption of extracted fuel. Energy consumption for the formation of bio-fluff is 30% lower compared to nylon. The amount of gases released is -63% less. For the results, the manufacturer was awarded a certificate.

How to care for a down jacket or jacket with bio-down?

It is not recommended to frequently wash clothes filled with bio-down. Despite its resistance to moisture, this material will definitely not withstand weekly washing. If a small stain appears on the fabric, although the item looks quite neat, it is enough to wash it.

Wash or dry clean?

Down jackets tolerate both home washing and dry cleaning. The services of a specialist are required in the presence of heavy soiling, when there is a risk of spoiling the item due to the use of strong stain removers and the presence of permanent inserts made of natural fur or other delicate materials.

What can't you do with such things? Regardless of the cleaning method, they cannot be soaked, washed in hot water, or kept wet and crumpled in a basin - you must immediately remove the moisture and put them in a well-ventilated place to dry.

Rules for washing in an automatic machine

Despite the high wear resistance of the material, it is necessary to carefully care for it so that it lasts as long as possible. Rules for machine washing a down jacket:

preliminary inspection of the item for contamination - if necessary, remove stains using laundry soap or organic stain removers;
the optimal water temperature for washing is 30–40 degrees;
acceptable washing mode is “delicate”;
use only liquid detergents and softening rinses;
using the additional rinse option - to better rinse out the detergent components and prevent the formation of white stains on the fabric;
refusal to spin - remove moisture only manually.

Recommendations for hand washing

To wash a down jacket by hand, you need:

shake it off the dust and beat it well;
carefully inspect and, if necessary, remove contamination using special means;
pour warm water into a container and dissolve liquid detergent;
gently, as if kneading dough, wash the product;
Without twisting, lightly squeeze out the liquid;
Rinse several times and gently wring out the item again.

Regardless of whether the down jacket is washed in a machine or by hand, you need to lay it out on a flat surface on a thick fabric so that it absorbs water. To do this, you need to turn the product over several times.

Next, the item is hung on hangers and put away to dry in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and heaters. It must be remembered that the filler is deformed when exposed to high temperatures.

Bio-down and synthetic down are non-woven synthetic materials used as fillers for down jackets, insulated trousers, jackets and other winter outerwear. They are also used for making toys, bedding, powder pads, and so on).

Created to replace down and feathers. In most respects they are superior to natural fillers.

Bio-fluff and synthetic fluff are used as filler in toys, clothes, and bed linen.

What is biofluff
Advantages and disadvantages of insulation
What temperature is bio-down designed for?
Where is bio-fluff used?
How to care for a down jacket or jacket with biodown
How is it different from synthetic fluff?
Video: useful information about bio-down and padding polyester

Outerwear

What is bio-down in outerwear, how is it used? This is a filling that allows you to achieve a unique enveloping effect - you will not be afraid of cold, wind or snow.

What temperature is synthetic bio-down designed for, what is the degree range? Jackets, down jackets and overalls can withstand temperatures from zero to -35C, which is impressive. This information will help you decide if the material is warm.

The temperature range for wearing bio-down outdoors in outerwear is quite wide - you definitely won’t freeze. Let's give some useful advice - for full protection, it is recommended to choose clothes that are equipped with a protective top layer that repels moisture. By the way, we will tell you how to distribute the down after washing a down jacket at the link.

Up to how many degrees can you wear such things?

The most voluminous products can withstand frosts down to -35C;
Medium padding is suitable for temperatures not lower than -15C;
The lightest and thinnest padding can withstand temperatures up to -10 degrees and above.

Now you know how warm jackets and overalls are made with the addition of material. Let's talk about where else the filler is used.

Or maybe you are wondering what properties polyester has in outerwear? Then click on the link.

What is biofluff

Bio-fluff (also commonly spelled “bio-fluff” and “bio fluff”) is one of the first bio-based fillers. Created by the American chemical corporations DuPont and 3M in the 1970s.

The biopolymer is patented by the developer's representative offices in the United States and Japan (a subsidiary of Sorana). The material contains renewable biological components that undergo chemical treatment using special technology.

Bio-fluff was created to replace down and feathers.

Types and their properties

Insulation is used in various areas of the textile industry, and therefore bio-down is available in several types. Sample markings are usually as follows:

Insulation group C, which includes several subgroups: C, CS, CDS:

Features of category C are the fixation of insulation to the fabric with glue, which is applied over the entire area every 15 cm;
Category CS represents synthetic materials on a non-woven base, fastening to which is carried out using ultrasound;
The CDS group is a combination of a double-sided non-woven base and artificial down.

TIB is a high volume filler achieved by adding polyolefin fibers to the original feedstock. There are several subgroups based on density: TIB 100, TIB 120, TIB 200;
Category P, characterized by preservation of shape. Such insulation is fixed only in the seams, because the surface structure prevents the fibers from shedding. By density they are distinguished: R-100, R-150, R-230;
Subclass B is a moisture-resistant material that can withstand numerous compressions. The following subgroups are distinguished by density: B 100, B 200, B 400;
Bio-fluff of the FR class is considered more fire-resistant due to the inclusion of polyethylene styrene and meta-aramid fibers.

If necessary, the composition of the material may change, depending on the purpose of the insulation.

Manufacturing scheme

Features of the filler

Properties

Where is bio-fluff used?

Winter shoes and accessories (hats, mittens, gloves, etc.).
Pillows, blankets.
Toys and souvenirs (stuffing).
Cosmetic accessories.

Winter outerwear. Including tourism, sports, special.

Bio-down is often used as a filler for travel, sports and special clothing.

How to care for a down jacket or jacket with biodown

Clothing with bio-down can be washed in a regular washing machine on a gentle cycle (30-40°C). Spin – no more than 600 rpm. Use an extra rinse for colored fabrics. If there are large stains, you should first wash them in warm water with laundry soap.

Note! The washing mode is usually indicated on the product. It is worth following the manufacturer's recommendations.

For the machine, use liquid powders. As an option, non-aggressive detergents.
Dry away from radiators, open fire and direct sunlight.
Ironing is highly not recommended.

Important! It is worth emphasizing once again that when strongly heated, the material is transformed and loses its ability to recover after deformation.