Abstract
Soft, fluffy waterfowl down has for centuries been the ultimate insulator in terms of the warmth it provides per unit weight. Two alternatives to down, however, may finally be challenging its predominance. The alternatives—an ultrafine polyester fiber and a natural fiber from milkweed pods—were described at symposia in the Cellulose, Paper & Textile Division at the recent American Chemical Society national meeting in Miami Beach. Despite down's excellent performance as a lightweight, thermal insulator, the material has a number of shortcomings. It readily absorbs water and, when wet, loses loft and becomes a poor insulator. In addition, it is relatively costly, and supply of the material is potentially uncertain because it is imported mostly from Eastern Europe and China. These shortcomings induced the U.S. Army Natick Research, Development & Engineering Center to fund development of synthetic alternatives to down. Under the first of two Army contracts, researchers at Albany International Research Co., Ma...
Published Version
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