FeatherFlex - ThermoDyne

FeatherFlexMicroporous Insulation
FeatherFlex Insulation Systems
FeatherFlex  Insulation systems are the flexible version of
Thermo Dyne’s Microporous insulation product line. The
superior thermal performance of FeatherFlex insulation allows
the maximum amount of thermal protection to be provided
within space and weight requirements. FeatherFlex Microporous
insulation is a blend of ceramic powders and fibers combined
to produce a high temperature material that provides excellent
thermal stability, low thermal diffusivity and the lowest
thermal conductivity.
FeatherFlex is specially formulated to block all
three forms of heat transfer. Conduction is minimized through
the use of a ceramic powder, which has intrinsically low
thermal conductivity. In addition, the powder is formed to
create a porous structure, minimizing the energy conducted
through the solid material. Convection is minimized by using
a powder with an extremely fine particle size, which forms
void spaces, which are on the order of magnitude of the mean
free path of the air molecules. The radiation portion of the heat
transfer increasingly becomes the dominant mode as
application temperature increases. The infrared heat
transmission through the insulation is reduced to the lowest
levels possible by the addition of special opacifiers with in the
Excelflex formulation.
Materials of Construction
FeatherFlex Insulation Systems are composed of a high
temperature core material, which is encapsulated between two
layers of high temperature cloth. This assembly is then
compressed into a uniform thickness and density and then
sewn to form the finished composite. The stitching provides
structure, strength, and consistent distribution of the core
material, while allowing the insulation to be flexible enough to
be wrapped around irregular shapes.
The FeatherFlex core has a 1800°F continuous use
rating, and is capable of withstanding a 2000°F fire test for 15
minutes. FeatherFlex insulation systems are supplied with
our standard E-Glass fabr ic covering, which provide the
thermal stability necessary for most applications. Other
fabrics are available upon request, which provide protection
up to 2300°F. Thread material selection is based upon the
application’s temperature requirements, and is typically
E-glass or quartz. FeatherFlex is available in standard (16pcf)
and lightweight (8 or 10pcf) densities and thickness from
1/8" to 1/2".
FeatherFlex Insulation Systems Advantages
With a Microporous core and versatile composite options,
FeatherFlex offers several major advantages over other
insulation materials in high performance applications.
Lowest Thermal Conductivity
Microporous ceramic powders and fibers work together to
form a material with the lowest possible thermal conductivity,
thermal diffusivity and heat storage. This enables FeatherFlex
to provide the maximum thermal protection utilizing the least
amount of weight and space.
Lightweight and Saves Space
Low core densities result in mass savings for weight sensitive
applications commonly encountered in the Aerospace
industry. In applications where space is a problem, low
thermal conductivity means less material thickness is required
to achieve the desired thermal energy flux reduction.
High Temperature Capability
FeatherFlex can be manufactured to meet high temperature
requirements including intermittent exposure up to 2300°F.
Flexible
The quilted stitch pattern provides strength, yet allows the
composite to remain flexible enough to insulate irregular
shapes and survive in service for long periods of time.
Easy Fabrication
Complex shapes can be easily made by cutting FeatherFlex
with a sharp razor knife, die or laser. Edges can be sealed by
sewing closed with a strip of similar fabric used on the
composite.
FeatherFlex Compression Data for different densities and thicknesses.
FEATHERFLEX 8 PCF .25" THICK
FEATHERFLEX 8 PCF .5" THICK
FEATHERFLEX 10 PCF .375" THICK
400.00
140.00
350.00
350.00
120.00
300.00
300.00
100.00
250.00
250.00
80.00
PSI
PSI
PSI
200.00
200.00
60.00
150.00
150.00
40.00
50.00
50.00
0.00
0.00
.0
%
.0
%
0%
0.
0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
0. 4. 8. 12. 16. 20. 24. 28. 32. 36. 40. 44. 48. 52. 56. 60. 64. 68. 72. 76. 80.
60
.0
%
56
52
.0
%
44
48
.0
%
.0
%
.0
%
36
40
.0
%
.0
%
32
.0
%
28
24
.0
%
.0
%
20
.0
%
16
12
4.
0%
0.00
8.
0%
0.
0%
100.00
100.00
20.00
% COMPRESSION
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
0%
.0
.0
.0
.0
.0
.0
.0
.0
.0
.0
.0
.0
.0
.0
5.
75
70
65
55
45
60
35
50
40
30
25
15
20
10
% COMPRESSION
% COMPRESSION
FEATHERFLEX 10 PCF .125" THICK
FEATHERFLEX 16 PCF .5" THICK
FEATHERFLEX 16 PCF .25" THICK
450.00
350.00
350.00
400.00
300.00
300.00
350.00
250.00
250.00
300.00
200.00
200.00
PSI
PSI
PSI
250.00
200.00
150.00
150.00
150.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
50.00
0.00
% COMPRESSION
.0
%
.0
%
.0
%
.0
%
.0
%
.0
%
.0
%
.0
%
.0
%
.0
%
.0
%
.0
%
.0
%
58
54
50
46
42
38
34
30
26
22
18
14
6.
0%
10
2.
0%
0.
0%
.9
%
92
.7
%
85
.6
%
78
.4
%
71
.3
%
.1
%
64
57
.0
%
50
.7
%
.6
%
.9
%
42
35
28
.3
%
.4
%
21
7.
1%
0.00
14
0.
0%
50.00
50.00
0.00
0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
0. 4. 8. 12. 16. 20. 24. 28. 32. 36. 40. 44. 48. 52. 56. 60. 64. 68. 72. 76. 80.
% COMPRESSION
% COMPRESSION
FeatherFlex  Materials Technical Data
Thermal Conductivity For Material in Btu-in/hr-sqft-°F / (W/m*K)*
Mean Temp °F (°C) 8 PCF Core Density 10 PCF Core Density 16 PCF Core Density
200°F ( 93°C)
.13 (.019)
.12 (.017)
.14 (.020)
.14 (.020)
400°F (204°C)
.13 (.019)
.15 (.022)
600°F (315°C)
.15 (.022)
.14 (.020)
.17 (.025)
800°F (426°C)
.15 (.022)
.17 (.025)
.19 (.027)
1000°F (537°C)
.22 (.032)
.16 (.023)
.19 (.027)
.18 (.026)
1200°F (648°C)
.24 (.035)
.22 (.032)
.25
.25
Specific Heat Btu/lb - °F
.25
.85
.85
Emissivity
.85
Typical Size (standard) (in) 36x36 and 36x72, (mm) 915x915 and 915x1830**
FeatherFlex Systems offer a variety of solutions for the following types of applications:
Thermal battery systems
Weapons avionics housings
Data recorder systems
Missile engine firewalls
High performance ovens
*
**
Aircraft galley equipment
Nuclear vitrification
Explosives detection devices
Aircraft avionics & electronics
Hazardous waste disposal
Engine nacelles
Struts and cowlings
Fire Walls
Nuclear powerplants
Fuel cells & reformers
Chemical boilers
Bleed air ducts
Auxiliary power plants (APU)
Turbine engine exhaust ducts
Diesel engine exhausts
All thermal conductivity values have been measured in accordance with ASTM Test Procedure C-177. When comparing similar data, it is advisable to check the validity
of all thermal conductivity values to ensure the resulting heat flow calculations are based on the same condition factors. Variations in any of these factors will result
in significant differences in the calculated data.
Additional sizes, thicknesses and densities are available upon request. It is very common to have diferent sizes for specific programs that are produced continuously.
Note: Additional information on FeatherFlex is available from Thermo Dyne upon request. For questions regarding the performance
and application possibilities of any of these materials, please contact Thermo Dyne's Engineering Department at 574.522.3606
or Fax 574.293.0047.
Thermo Dyne
822 Middlebury St., Elkhart, IN 46516
574.522.3606, Fax: 574.293.0047
Web: www.ThermoDyne1.com
Form E-1008, Effective 12/20, 2005, Thermo Dyne All Rights Reserved, Printed in the USA
The information, recommendations, and opinions set forth herein are offered solely for your consideration, inquiry and verification and are not, in part or in total, to be construed a warranty or
representation for which we assume legal responsibility. Nothing contained herein is to be interpreted as authorization to practice a patented invention without a license.