Abstract: A synthetic insulation material that rivals and surpasses down in performance without suffering degradation in insulating power over time. The material is an aggregate of particulate units that have a fractal-like geometric configuration. The geometric configuration includes non-integer dimensionality that promotes physical entanglements of the particulate units. The physical entanglements impart a high frictional resistance to slippage of the particulate units to maintain loft over time by inhibiting the settling of particulate units upon compression. The geometric configuration further includes aspects of self-similarity. The particulate units are formed from a material that efficiently scatters thermal radiation.

Abstract: Commercial metalized plastic film, in the form of discarded containers or container stock, is collected, cleaned, shredded and packaged, to produce an insulating layer having a high thermal resistance, or R-value, no outgassing of volatile compounds at habitable temperatures, and multiple reusability after deployment. Each step in the sequence is designed to minimize unit cost of the process, as well as maximize the thermal resistance of the finished product. The invention largely avoids disintegration of the recycled material, and hence utilizes the embedded energy already present in the construction of the original film.