POLYURETHANE TECHNOLOGY INJECTS NEW LIFE INTO SOLES

Recent developments in high performance thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compounds allow shoe manufacturers to produce safe, fashionable, light, hard-wearing fit-for-purpose footwear.

Recent developments in high performance thermoplastic polyurethane (PRWEB) December 19, 2001 -wearing fit-for-purpose footwear.

"Originally, TPU technology focused on meeting the special requirements of heel top pieces and soles for high performance sports shoes, but ongoing development of the technology has extended the range of TPU compounds to meet the needs of a much wider variety of shoe applications," says Keith Arkle, sales director flexibles and elastomers at specialist polyurethane manufacturer and supplier Industrial Urethanes.

TPU products can now also be used to manufacture unit soles and direct moulded footwear for safety boots, hiking boots and cleated sport shoes as well as specialities such as ski boots and in-line skates. Other uses are for kippers and for inserts and sports shoe components.

"The technology offers shoe manufacturers a total solution. The feel and finish of the product and its perfect surface definition allow manufacturers to create stunning patterns and original design effects. TPU gives perfect mould reproduction and offers finishes that are matt, shiny or glossy, transparent or translucent or have a rubber feel and rubber look."

Arkle adds that the real strength of TPU technology is its capability to strike a balance between form and function. "The beauty of TPU is that it combines outstanding design, look and feel properties with solid practical features such as abrasion resistance, high tear strength, hydrolysis resistance, extended flex life and excellent adhesion."

Industrial Urethanes, a member of the JSE-listed Chemserve group, offers a complete range of solutions to the footwear industry. It has 17 years of local polyurethane technology and application expertise across a wide range of industries, complemented by a worldwide technology agreement with the international leader in polyurethane technology, Huntsman Polyurethanes.

"Apart from our own footwear polyurethanes, we are able to supply the footwear industry with the full range of Avalon TPU products from Huntsman. These products cater for every conceivable footwear application and all have undergone extensive testing and fine-tuning before being released to market," says Arkle.

The Huntsman global development centre for the Avalon range is located in Belgium. It conducts ongoing development and research in partnership with major international shoe manufacturers.

"Through this facility we are able to identify and respond quickly to new footwear market trends, develop footwear ranges on standard machinery without interrupting production and explore the potential of TPU without additional investment.

"The facility is able to produce test quantities of new models very quickly and conduct trials on individual footwear samples so we are always positioned to give the market exactly what it needs," concludes Arkle.