Sustans. New technologies and materials in the production of children's jackets

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.

Alpolux

Modern artificial insulation Alpolux - what kind of material is it and what are its properties? The production technology for this filler was created in Austria. Alpolux consists of microfiber and natural wool. The wool content ranges from 15 to 30%.

Advantages

The main advantages of alpolux:

• high heat-shielding properties
• ease
• retains its shape and does not deform when worn or washed
• environmental friendliness
• does not cause allergies

Air passes through this filler freely, so you won’t be too hot in this down jacket or jacket. Alpolux is often used to create children's winter clothing, including discharge envelopes for newborns. However, in the production of adult outerwear, filler is also used.

Temperature

What temperature and weather is alpolux insulation designed for? Down jackets with such insulation can be worn down to minus 35 C - it all depends on the density of the filler. Here are comparative indicators of the density of alpolux and the ambient temperature at which it can be worn:

• alpolux 100 g - up to minus 10 degrees
• alpolux 150 g - up to minus 15 degrees,
• alpolux 200 g - up to minus 25 degrees,
• alpolux 300 g - up to minus 35 degrees.

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This insulation can withstand extreme frosts - for example, it is used in the manufacture of outerwear for climbers. Well, in our list of modern synthetic insulation, alpolux is present because it contains most of the content of artificial fibers - 70%, and only 30% - wool.

Jackets, raincoats, down jackets and other products with alpolux filling can be washed in a washing machine on a delicate cycle. It is best to dry it away from heating appliances and in a vertical position - for example, on a clothes hanger.

Main characteristics

Buyers are often interested in whether bio-down is warm or not? The insulation is characterized by excellent thermal insulation performance.

There are both pros and cons to artificial down in jackets. After washing, the product dries completely in just a few hours. While winter outerwear with other types of insulation takes much longer to dry.

Bio-down insulation has other advantages:

• Long service period.
• Harmless. Does not cause allergic reactions.
• A light weight. The filler does not restrict body movements.
• The material does not absorb external odors.
• Plastic. Does not become thinner over time, creases do not appear.
• Can be washed in an automatic machine. Things do not change shape and are resistant to compaction and rolling.
• Fibers do not show through seams.
• Moisture resistant.

Useful

For those who are interested, what temperature is bio-down designed for? Answer, clothes can be worn at minus 40 degrees Celsius.

DuPont Sorona material - what's the secret?

The American chemical company DuPont, one of the largest in the world, was founded in 1802 and was initially associated with the military industry. The founder of the company, Elether Irene Dupont de Nemours, created a gunpowder production plant, which later began to supply the US military-industrial complex with explosives, chemicals and incendiaries. By-products of their developments in the 20th century included Teflon, and subsequently bulletproof Kevlar. For more than a century, DuPont has been producing innovative textiles, innovative fibers and is on the cusp of making the transition to 100% bio-based materials.

Sorona is a division of DuPont Corporation that specializes in producing renewable raw materials that help reduce dependence on petroleum resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 37% of the polymer is produced using annually renewable plant components. The revolutionary new Bio-PDO compound transforms a chemical process into an environmentally efficient biological process. Energy consumption in Sorona production is reduced by 40% and greenhouse gas emissions by 56%. The latest biological polymers are widely used in the production of household and commercial carpets, clothing, and the automotive industry. Product life cycle assessments from raw materials to final products show that Sorona is much more environmentally sustainable in all aspects than petroleum- and polyamide-based materials such as nylon.

Through decades of research and asking the right questions, DuPont scientists have found a way to produce PDO—a versatile building block with infinite potential—using a biological process that will have a global impact.

Technological process for the production of Sorona fiber

Sorona not only ensures the durability and recyclability of the final product, but also has many properties that help reduce the adverse environmental impact at all stages of the life cycle.

Sorona's renewable fibers provide a superior combination of performance for sustainable clothing. The fabrics of the material are very soft, extremely durable and dry quickly, and also stretch well and always retain their shape. Additionally, manufacturers using Sorona fiber can dye clothing at lower temperatures, achieving excellent color fastness, which undoubtedly has a positive impact on the environment.

Another notable feature is that Sorona material does not use heavy metal catalysts during the polymerization process and that it is inherently stain resistant without requiring any additional chemical treatment. This is undoubtedly a great advantage and is used by clothing manufacturers such as Wellensteyn. Of course, consumers also like this practicality.

Apparel manufacturers and designers take advantage of Sorona's versatility to enhance the performance of other fibers, natural or synthetic, such as cotton, linen, wool, nylon, polyester. Cotton and linen materials are very light and comfortable, while wool-patterned fabrics are soft and durable.

Sorona is a perfect material that combines environmental protection and functionality in an unprecedented way, which can be called a comprehensive breakthrough in science.

Based on the Sorona polymer, DuPont and Haixing Material Technology corporations have developed and patented an insulation called Sustans or, as it is called in Russian, bio-down. This insulation has incredible thermal insulation properties and can be used in the most severe climatic conditions with low winter temperatures.

High-tech bio-down has all the best properties of the Sorona material, and down jackets based on it are light, practical and durable. Sustans has numerous awards as the first bio-based material and exemplifies the latest advances in biotechnology and innovative fibers.

Bio-down and eco-down: which is better?

Many housewives are also interested in the questions of what is bio-down in a down jacket or what is eco-down? The first one is a soft and fluffy raw material with a biological base. It has a spherical and three-dimensional structure, reminiscent of real fluff. Main qualities: breathability, elasticity. Reminds me of silk. 50% more warm than natural down.

Ecopooh is an insulation material consisting of thin fibers that resembles synthetic fluff in quality.

There are also clothes on sale with Thinsulate filler. Skiers choose equipment made from this material because it is breathable and promotes normal perspiration. No greenhouse effect is created.

In comparison, which is better: fluff or thinsulate? It depends on the purpose of the outerwear. Down is suitable for everyday life. Fans of winter sports would be better off choosing something else.

Useful

In stores you can find clothes with a filler called orsotherm. It is manufactured using the latest improved technology. Consists of siliconized components and special additives. For those who are interested, what temperature can Orsotherm insulation be worn to? The answer is that thanks to the air that is between the fibers, in clothes with such a filler, the human body can retain heat even in extreme cold.

How a heat zone is created

Sewing outerwear using innovative insulating material creates a total heat zone around the human body. Protection from the cold is provided by insulation containing a huge number of cavities filled with air.

A person in a down jacket is immersed in a protective pillow that does not allow cold air to pass to the body. Someone will say that the clothes are without ventilation. And he will be wrong, because he will suffer a fiasco from irrefutable facts.

The bubble-filled cavities create an ideal airy background for sewing products. Excessive heat accumulation in clothing is carried out through microscopic corridors. To replace the lost air mass, new portions of air arrive.

A rational air exchange scheme automatically maintains the required temperature. A down jacket is comfortable at critical sub-zero temperatures.

Purpose and scope

Bio-down in outerwear at low temperatures performs a protective function against frost and wind. The filler is used in the manufacture of:

• equipment for fishermen and hunters;
• equipment;
• travel sleeping bags and sports accessories;
• casual outerwear (pants, jackets);
• insulated suits for snowboarding and skiing.

The models are comfortable to move in. Thanks to the lightness and plasticity of the raw materials, manufacturers create attractive and stylish models.

Features of application

First of all, bio-down is used when sewing outerwear. Winter down jackets with such filling are equally comfortable at temperatures of -10 °C and at -40 °C. The insulation is lightweight, which means that clothes made from it also weigh quite a bit.

In addition to its use in sewing winter down jackets, biodown has other uses. The filler is used in the manufacture of equipment, winter sports suits, sleeping bags, as well as special clothing for hunting and fishing. One of the advantages of such things is their low weight, quick restoration of shape and preservation of the original volume after washing.

Wash

How to wash bio-down so that the material does not deform? Before washing, rub off heavily soiled areas and stains with plain soap. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations indicated on the label, which indicate how many degrees the water is heated to, as well as the number of revolutions.

Basic rules for machine washing regular bio-down clothing:

• the temperature regime is set no higher than 40 degrees Celsius;
• It is advisable to use the additional rinse function;
• the number of revolutions is no more than 600;
• to avoid white marks, use special liquid detergents;
• When rinsing, it is better to add conditioner to soften the material and extend its service life.

Housewives who are wondering whether it is possible to wash large items need to know that hand washing is allowed, since they do not fit in the machine. You should also follow the following recommendations:

• Contaminated areas are cleaned with a brush;
• clothes are washed so that the filling gets wet evenly;
• pour non-hot water into the container;
• rinse clothes at least twice.

When washing bio-down in outerwear, the temperature is set to the same as when washing in a washing machine - no higher than 40 degrees Celsius.

Useful

In order to dry clothes from a bio-down jacket or down jacket, it is laid out on a surface in a horizontal position. It is advisable to place a thick natural fabric (towel) where excess water will drain. The material should not fade. The products are periodically turned over. Beat the dried item well to evenly distribute the fiber in the middle.

After washing, things need to be dried in natural conditions. You can do this outdoors or in a ventilated area. Do not leave directly in the sun, too close to a heater or open fire.

Advantages and disadvantages

The undeniable advantages of the material include:

1. Softness. The synthetic material bio-down has a three-dimensional spherical shape. This gives it additional volume and fluffiness, resistance to compression and a special structure.
2. Thermal insulation properties. The filling retains heat inside and is ideal for winter outerwear.
3. Does not cause any difficulties in care. Products with bio-down insulation can be washed in a washing machine, but the items do not deform and do not lose their thermal insulation properties.
4. Strength and durability. Bio-lint is not destroyed during use of the product and during washing.
5. Versatility. The insulation can be used either by itself or mixed with down in equal proportions.

For those who are just planning to purchase a jacket with bio-down, it will be useful to know that this filler has a number of disadvantages:

• accumulates static electricity (like any other synthetic material);
• unstable to high temperatures and open fire;
• does not provide the necessary removal of moisture from the body.

How to wash products filled with bio-down?

Winter down jackets with synthetic insulation are easy to care for. But following a number of rules for washing in a washing machine or by hand is mandatory:

1. Before loading your jacket into the washing machine, you need to remember about bio-down. What it is? Reviews and material characteristics confirm that this synthetic filler does not deform or thin, but it should be washed only in accordance with the information indicated on the label.
2. The optimal temperature for washing a down jacket is 30-40 °C.
3. Spinning the product should not exceed 600 revolutions.
4. Serious stains and dirt should be pre-washed with laundry soap or powder.
5. When washing by hand or in a washing machine, use mild detergents or liquid powders.
6. For colored clothing, additional rinsing is recommended.
7. Products should be dried naturally, away from direct rays of the sun and heating radiators.

Customer Reviews

Most owners of winter down jackets speak positively about products with insulation such as biodown. In reviews they describe it as a material that feels like Thinsulate. But, unlike this insulation, bio-down is much lighter and warmer. Winter clothes with such filling perfectly retain heat inside in severe frosts. Bio-down withstands numerous washes and does not deform. Unlike natural down, synthetic insulation does not penetrate seams and fabric.

In general, when compared with down, biodown is more practical, although in terms of thermal insulation characteristics it is in no way inferior to natural materials. It is much easier to wash and care for. Most winter clothing owners recommend new insulation to everyone.

Bio-fluff in outerwear

If synthetic down can be compared with natural down in terms of thermal insulation characteristics, then in appearance they are completely different. Bio-fluff is more reminiscent of holofiber, since it has a three-dimensional spherical structure. This means that products made from it look more voluminous than those made from natural down.

Winter down jackets made from biodown are most often preferred by men, while women try to choose more sophisticated and less voluminous models. In general, the range of products made from this insulation is quite wide. Bio-down is used to sew jackets and overalls for children and down jackets for adults. Products are recommended to be worn at temperatures from 0 to -30 °C. When choosing clothes, it is important to ensure that the outer material is waterproof. Then a jacket with synthetic down will not be afraid of snow, rain or frost.

Natural or artificial?

Relatively recently, down jackets filled with natural down and feathers were very popular, and even now many companies produce such models. There are several types of density of this filler:

• 70 to 30 (calculated to minus 5 C)
• 80 to 20 (calculated to minus 15 C)
• 90 by 10 (calculated to minus 20 C)

The first number indicates the percentage of down content (indicated as “down” on the label), the second number indicates the feather content (indicated as “feather” on the label). Data on the ratio of these materials must be on the product label, as well as on the price tag. Accordingly, models with a ratio of 70 to 30 and 80 to 20 are more suitable for late autumn, and 90 to 10 can already be worn in winter.

A product containing 100% down is not so practical, so if you prefer natural materials, it is better to choose a mixture of down and feathers.

However, since down and feathers are natural materials, they are quite capricious and require appropriate care. Of course, a down jacket with such filling is warm and protects well from the cold, but it has such disadvantages as:

• possibility of allergies
• When washed, fluff may form clumps
• high price
• after a few years the product loses its original appearance

Many people probably noticed that after 4-5 years of use, the feather filling began to “climb” through the seams on the clothes, and the down jacket lost its good appearance. Of course, you shouldn’t completely abandon jackets with natural down insulation, but if you are allergic to feathers, or are looking for a cheaper and warmer option for winter outerwear, we recommend paying attention to down jackets with artificial insulation, which are practically insulated. inferior to natural, and in some properties superior to it.

What temperature is bio-fluff designed for?

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.