The thermal insulation properties of hightech sportswear fillings

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to deal with performance verification of thermal insulation fillings that are used for outer clothes into cold environments. Thermal properties of filling materials (down and three sophisticated fillings) were tested under condition approaching real weather conditions in Middle Europe. Design/methodology/approach – In the paper, modern method of thermal resistance Rct measurement, by Sweating Guarded-Hotplate system, was compared with method of Technical University of Liberec (TUL method). The TUL method shows good results and it is applicable even at ambient temperatures below zero, which fully corresponds to real application of the insulation filling. Findings – Evaluation of fibre battings were carried out even at temperatures below the freezing point, which is important for simulation of actual application of these filling structures. The highest thermal resistance of goose down confirm that natural materials have their irreplaceable position, especially in application into clothes for extreme conditions. Research limitations/implications – There does not include effect of the humidity change on thermal insulation properties. It will be subject of further research of authors. Originality/value – The investigation of thermal insulation properties were carried out under conditions approaching real application of tested materials, namely, at low ambient temperature.