4.1 The thermal resistance of a batting or batting/fabric system is of considerable importance in determining its suitability for use in fabricating cold weather protective clothing, sleeping bags, and bedding systems. The thermal interchange between man and his environment is, however, an extremely complicated subject which involves many factors in addition to the insulation values of fabrics and battings. Therefore, measured thermal insulation values can only indicate relative merit of a particular material.

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the thermal resistance, under steady-state conditions, of battings and batting/fabric systems, and other materials within the limits specified in 1.2. It measures the heat transfer from a warm, dry, constant-temperature, horizontal flat-plate up through a layer of the test material to a cool atmosphere and calculates the resistance of the material. The measurements are made under still air conditions (Option #1) or with a horizontal air flow over the specimen (Option #2).

1.2 For practical purposes, this test method is limited to determinations on specimens of battings and layered batting/fabric assemblies having an intrinsic thermal resistance from 0.1 to 1.5 K·m²/W and thicknesses not in excess of 50 mm.

1.3 This test method also provides a method for determining the bulk density of the material, the insulation per unit thickness, and the insulation per unit weight.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address the safety concerns associated with its use. It is the responsibility of whoever uses this standard to consult and establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.