Y-Warm

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Y-Warm

Flexible nano closed-cell thermal insulation material
Nanoporous material/metamaterial
Functional polyer + polyester substrate
Nitrogen-supported closed-cell honeycomb
Pore size: 30-190 μm
Wall thickness: 20-280 nm

Y-Warm is a polymer-based nano closed-cell flexible thermal insulation material developed for use in apparel, footwear, automotive interiors, cooler bags, and other applications requiring insulation. It works across temperatures from -50°C to 150°C. Y-Warm has been developed as an upgrade to traditional insulation materials that often rely on thick and bulky layers, such as fibres and foam. It also overcame a long-standing challenge in materials science by making nanoporous materials flexible instead of brittle. The outcome is a fabric-like insulation that combines durability with high insulation performance. The high performance and multi-functionality of Y-Warm replaces the bloated history of winter apparels.

Technology

Structure and morphology

The material consists of a polymer matrix containing closed micro-pores (30–190 μm) separated by nano walls (20–280 nm). Its closed-cell ratio exceeds 95%, and its void rate surpasses 96%. From a porous materials perspective, closed-cell structures generally perform better at thermal insulation than open-cell structures, and smaller pores tend to have superior insulation performance compared to larger ones.

Thermal insulation mechanism

Y-Warm insulates primarily by slowing down thermal conduction. Because the pores are fully closed, the air inside is trapped and cannot circulate, and the thin solid walls create long paths for heat conduct. The manufacturer reports a thermal conductivity of 0.00824–0.026 W/(m·K), compared with 0.025–0.035 W/(m·K) for down. Y-Warm's rough micro-porous surface also has low reflectivity and an emissivity above 0.9, contributing far-infrared radiant properties.

Moisture permeability and quick drying

The material's hydrophilic molecular structure allows moisture generated during physical activity to be absorbed and released efficiently.

Antibacterial function

Y-Warm achieves top-tier (5A) antibacterial performance that inhibits the growth and proliferation of microorganisms. This function helps reduce the accumulation of bacteria associated with perspiration and prolonged use, making the material suitable for apparel, footwear, and other products that require hygiene and odour management. The extent and durability of antibacterial performance are evaluated at Antimicrobial activity (Level AAA).

Durability

The manufacturer reports stability after heat aging (120 °C for 168 hours), damp-heat aging (70 °C and 95% relative humidity for 12 weeks), and low-temperature flexing (−40 °C for 30,000 cycles, with no freezing sensation after 7 days at −60 °C).

Comparison with other insulation technologies

• Aerogel is also a nano-porous insulator, but its silica structure is open-cell, rigid, and brittle, and its production involves solvent-based processes. Y-Warm's polymer closed-cell structure is flexible and resilient and is produced from a water-based process.
• Down and synthetic fiberfill rely on macroscopic loft to hold still air, and their performance falls sharply after compressed and soaked in water. Y-Warm provides microscopic closed-cell isolation that is not loft-dependent.

Manufacturing and environmental properties

Y-Warm is manufactured through a water-based process, and the manufacturer reports that no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are detected. Y-Warm complies with EU SVHC safety standards covering 249 substances, and contains no PFAS or toxic substances, which is a safety guarantee for application in textile and garment.

Lineup

Y-Warm is manufactured in five principal specifications.

Specification	Thickness / (mm)	Weight / (g/m²)	Approximate Increase in Perceived Temperature / (°C)	Application
YW-01	0.7 ± 0.1	46	+10	For apparel and gloves requiring softness
YW-02	0.9 ± 0.1	53	+15	For footwear, headwear, and insulated bags
YW-03	0.5 ± 0.1	38	+6	Used in combination with YW-01 for soft-feel areas such as cuffs
YW-04	1.0 ± 0.1	70	+17	Higher warp and weft tensile strength alongside insulation
FR-02	0.9 ± 0.1	Flame-retardant grade meeting the requirements for automotive interior insulation

History

Y-Warm was developed over eight years of research and development, with the project initiated in 2013, a successful prototype achieved in 2017, technical validation in 2019, product release in the 50th ISPO (Munich, 1.26-1.29, 2020), and commercial supply beginning in 2021.

Y-Warm made a notable impression at the 27th China (Jinjiang) International Footwear Exposition, which concluded in April at the Jinjiang International Convention & Exhibition Center.

In 2026, Yang Qiurong stood out with her collection, "State". She combined Y-Warm insulation technology with innovative knit structures, delivering garments that balance warmth with a clean, modern aesthetic. By combining Y-Warm thermal insulation material with knitted fabrics, she won the Silver Award in the Creative Track at the 2026 graduation fashion week of the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology.

References

This article "Y-Warm" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Y-Warm. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

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