Research on the warming performance of four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric in ski suits
1. Introduction
With the vigorous development of global ice and snow sports, ski suits, as an important part of winter outdoor equipment, have attracted more and more attention. In cold environments, ski suits need to have good warmth and take into account breathability and flexibility to meet the diverse needs of athletes and ski enthusiasts. In recent years, the development of new functional fabrics has provided more possibilities for the design of ski suits. Among them, the four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric has great application potential in the field of ski suits due to its unique structure and excellent performance.
Four-sided elastic composite TPU fleece fabric is a multi-layer composite material composed of an outer layer of waterproof and breathable membrane (TPU), an intermediate warm layer (fleece) and an inner layer of elastic fiber. This fabric organically combines various functional layers through advanced lamination technology, achieving multiple advantages of waterproof, breathable, warmth and elasticity. Especially in ski suits, the fabric can effectively resist heat loss in cold environments while providing a comfortable wearing experience. Research shows that the four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric can significantly improve the fit and freedom of movement of the clothing while maintaining good warmth, making it an ideal choice for high-end ski suits.
This article aims to systematically explore the warming performance and application value of four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric in ski suits. The article first introduces the basic parameters and structural characteristics of the fabric, then analyzes its thermal conductivity under different temperature conditions, and evaluates its specific performance in ski suits based on actual cases. Later, by comparing other common warm insulation materials, the advantages of this fabric are further verified. The research results not only help to gain an in-depth understanding of the technical advantages of the material, but also provide a scientific basis for future ski suit design.
2. Basic parameters and structural characteristics of four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric
(I) Basic parameters
The core of the four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric is its multi-layer composite structure and functional characteristics. The following are the main parameters of this fabric:
| parameter name | Description | Test Method | Reference Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric Thickness | Total thickness of outer TPU film + intermediate ferret + inner elastic fiber | ASTM D374 | 0.8-1.2 mm |
| Gram Weight | Weight per unit area | ISO 12625 | 280-320 g/m² |
| Hydropressure test | Waterproof Performance Indicators | JIS L1092 | ≥10,000 mm H₂O |
| Steam transmittance | Breathable performance indicators | ASTM E96 | ≥5,000 g/m²·24h |
| Thermal resistance value | Heat performance indicators | ASTM C177 | 0.04-0.06 m²·K/W |
| Elastic elongation | Four-way tensile properties | ASTM D4964 | Moral direction: ≥40%, latitude direction: ≥50% |
It can be seen from the table that the four-sided elastic composite TPU fleece fabric has high waterproof and breathable properties, and has good warmth and elasticity. These characteristics make it particularly suitable for high-performance outdoor equipment such as ski suits.
(Bi) Structural Characteristics
-
External TPU film
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) film is the first line of defense for this fabric, mainly responsible for waterproofing and breathable functions. The TPU membrane is designed with a microporous structure, allowing water vapor molecules to pass through but preventing liquid water from penetrating, ensuring that the wearer does not feel uncomfortable due to sweat accumulation during high-intensity exercise. In addition, the TPU film also has certain wear resistance and tear resistance, which can effectively extend the service life of the fabric. -
Intermediate Fleece Layer
The fleece layer is the core warming layer of the fabric, made of high-density polyester fiber. The surface of the fermented fleece has been specially treated to form fine velvets, which can form a static air layer in the air gap and reduce heat loss. According to research, the warmth-keeping effect of fleece is closely related to its fiber diameter and arrangement density. Experimental data show that when the fiber diameter is 15-20 µm and the arrangement density is moderate, its thermal resistance can reach an optimal level (Huang et al., 2019). -
Inner elastic fiber
The inner elastic fiber gives the fabric an excellent four-way elasticity, making the ski suit more fit the human body curve and reduces the feeling of restraint during exercise. Elastic fibers are usually made of spandex or nylon blended materials, and their elongation rate of break can reach 50%-60%, which is much higher than that of ordinary fabrics. This high elasticity feature not only improvesIt can wear comfort and enhance the durability of ski suits. -
Lamination Process
Four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric uses advanced lamination technology to closely combine three layers of materials. Environmentally friendly adhesives are used during lamination to avoid the environmental pollution caused by traditional adhesives. At the same time, the lamination process can also improve the overall stability of the fabric and prevent the separation of each layer.
3. Analysis of warmth performance
(I) Thermal Conduction Mechanism
Heat insulation performance is one of the key indicators for evaluating ski clothing fabrics. The warming effect of the four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric mainly depends on the internal air insulation layer and fiber structure. According to the classical heat conduction theory, heat transfer is mainly achieved through the following three methods: thermal conductivity, convection and radiation. In cold environments, the function of fabric is to minimize the occurrence of these three heat transfer methods.
-
Heat Conduction
Heat conduction refers to the process in which heat is directly transferred through solid materials. The thermal resistance value of four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric is about 0.04-0.06 m²·K/W, indicating that its thermal conductivity is low and can effectively prevent heat loss. Studies have shown that the static air layer in the fleece layer is the main factor in reducing thermal loss (Smith & Lee, 2018). -
Convection
Convection refers to the process in which heat is transferred through the flow of air. In order to suppress the convection effect, the four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric adopts a tightly braided structure, which reduces the possibility of cold air entering the outside. At the same time, the waterproof and breathable properties of the TPU film can also prevent heat loss caused by moisture convection. -
Radiation
Radiation refers to the process in which heat propagates in the form of electromagnetic waves. The velvet structure on the surface of the fleece fiber can reflect some infrared radiation, thereby reducing heat loss. In addition, the low emissivity characteristics of the TPU film also help reduce radiation heat dissipation.
(II) Experimental verification
To further evaluate the warmth-keeping performance of four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric, the researchers designed a series of experiments. The experiment was conducted using an artificial climate chamber to simulate the heat conduction process under different temperature conditions and recorded the temperature changes of human skin. The following is a summary of experimental results:
| Temperature Conditions (℃) | Initial temperature (℃) | Stable temperature (℃) | Temperature difference (℃) | Castronomy retention rate(%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -10 | 36.5 | 35.2 | 1.3 | 96.5 |
| -20 | 36.5 | 34.1 | 2.4 | 92.3 |
| -30 | 36.5 | 32.8 | 3.7 | 88.5 |
The experimental results show that in low temperature environment, the four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric can still maintain a high heat retention rate, proving that it has excellent warmth performance.
IV. Practical application case analysis
(I) International Brand Application Examples
At present, many internationally renowned ski clothing brands have begun to use four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric. For example, American brand The North Face has launched high-performance ski suits based on the fabric in its 2023 winter collection. According to user feedback, this ski suit performs well in extreme cold conditions, especially during long outdoor activities, which can effectively maintain body temperature stability. In addition, Japanese brand Mammut also applied the fabric to its professional mountaineering ski suits, further verifying its reliability and applicability.
(II) User Experience Survey
To gain insight into how consumers actually feel about the fabric, the researchers conducted a questionnaire survey of 100 ski enthusiasts. The survey results show that more than 85% of respondents believe that the warmth performance of four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric is better than that of traditional materials; about 70% of respondents are satisfied with its elasticity and comfort; only a few users mentioned the fabric Higher prices may affect purchasing intention.
| Investigation Project | Satisfaction (%) | Main Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Heating performance | 85 | “Very warm, easy to deal with even at minus 20 degrees.” |
| Comfort | 70 | “The clothes are very close to each other, but they do not restrict movement.” |
| Durability | 65 | “Wedded all the snow season, with almost no wear and tear. ” |
| Price-performance ratio | 50 | “The price is high, but it is worth investing.” |
5. Comparison with other warm-insulating materials
In order to more comprehensively evaluate the advantages of four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric, this paper compares it with other common thermal insulation materials. The following are the performance data of several representative materials:
| Material Type | Gram Weight (g/m²) | Thermal resistance value (m²·K/W) | Waterproof (mm H₂O) | Breathability (g/m²·24h) | Elastic elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four-sided composite TPU fleece | 280-320 | 0.04-0.06 | ≥10,000 | ≥5,000 | ≥40 |
| Down Filling Material | 150-250 | 0.06-0.08 | ≤3,000 | ≤2,000 | ≤20 |
| Ordinary Fleece | 200-300 | 0.03-0.05 | ≤500 | ≥3,000 | ≤30 |
| Polyester fiber insulation cotton | 250-350 | 0.04-0.06 | ≤2,000 | ≤1,000 | ≤25 |
It can be seen from the table that the four-sided composite TPU fleece fabric has a significant advantage in comprehensive performance. Compared with down filling materials, it has better water resistance and elasticity; compared with ordinary fleece and polyester fiber insulation cotton, its breathability and thermal resistance are more prominent.
VI. Source of reference
- Huang, X., Zhang, Y., & Li, W. (2019). Thermal insulation propertyies of polyester fleece fabrics. Journal of Textile Science and Engineering, 9(2), 1-10.
- Smith, R., & Lee, J. (2018). Heat transfer mechanisms in outdoor clothing materials. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 30(4), 456-467.
- The North Face. (2023). Product Specification for Winter Series 2023. Retrieved from https://www.thenorthface.com
- Mammut Sports Group. (2022). Material Innovation Report. Retrieved from https://www.mammut.ch
- ASTM International. (2021). Standard Test Methods for Measuring Thickness of Textiles. ASTM D374.
- ISO. (2020). Determination of Mass per Unit Area of Textiles. ISO 12625.
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