Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-12-21 Origin: Site
The footwear industry’s pursuit of enhanced shock absorption and durability has never wavered. With the growing diversity of demands in sports and leisure, the need for superior performance is more pressing than ever. Supercritical elastomers TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) and TPEE (Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer) are redefining performance standards in footwear with their remarkable shock absorption, durability, and lightweight properties. This article explores how supercritical foaming technology for TPU and TPEE is revolutionizing footwear materials, meeting consumer expectations for ultimate comfort and long-lasting performance.
Supercritical foaming is an advanced, eco-friendly, and efficient material processing technology. Under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, gases such as carbon dioxide are introduced into the elastomer material, creating a stable, micron-scale closed-cell structure in its supercritical state. This structure not only reduces weight and enhances resilience but also significantly improves shock absorption and durability.
Key Features:
Microporous Structure for Energy Absorption: The uniform microporous structure effectively absorbs external impact forces, delivering exceptional shock absorption.
Enhanced Material Toughness: TPU and TPEE, known for their inherent toughness and fatigue resistance, retain stable performance under repeated impact and prolonged use with the aid of supercritical technology.
Shock absorption in footwear focuses on two main aspects: absorbing external impact forces and returning part of that energy to the wearer, ensuring comfort for both sports and everyday walking.
High Elasticity and Quick Rebound: TPU exhibits high resilience, quickly returning to its original shape after impact. This disperses impact forces and converts them into forward propulsion, making it ideal for running shoes and basketball footwear requiring high energy feedback.
Balance Between Absorption and Support: TPU’s excellent deformation control allows midsoles to offer both shock absorption and stable support, preventing foot fatigue during extended wear.
Anti-Fatigue and Flexibility: TPEE remains highly flexible and shock-absorbent, even at low temperatures, making it suitable for outdoor or hiking footwear.
Dynamic Performance: The material dynamically adjusts its rebound effect based on impact intensity, offering tailored comfort for various activities.
Typical Applications for Shock Absorption:
Midsole Cushioning: In running, basketball, and hiking shoes, TPU and TPEE midsoles reduce pressure on the feet and knees, enhancing performance.
Insole Padding: Microporous insoles provide soft cushioning and protect joints during intense activities.
TPU and TPEE are exceptionally resistant to wear, particularly in outsoles and midsoles:
TPU Outsoles: Boasting excellent tear and abrasion resistance, TPU outsoles maintain integrity even on rough terrain during prolonged use.
TPEE Materials: These are ideal for scenarios requiring both abrasion resistance and flexibility, such as hiking and outdoor shoe soles.
TPEE’s Anti-Fatigue Properties: TPEE withstands high-frequency, prolonged use without collapsing or deforming, making it a preferred choice for high-intensity athletic footwear.
TPU Materials: Maintain stable performance in both high and low temperatures, making them suitable for multifunctional outdoor footwear.
TPEE Materials: Offer excellent chemical resistance and aging properties, extending footwear life even in challenging environments.
The midsole is the primary shock-absorbing and rebound component. TPU and TPEE foam materials, with their lightweight and high-resilience designs, deliver outstanding cushioning and propulsion in running and basketball shoes.
The outsole is the part of the shoe most exposed to wear. TPU outsoles provide exceptional abrasion resistance, while TPEE outsoles offer greater flexibility and grip, making them highly valued for outdoor footwear.
As the contact point between the foot and the shoe, insoles made with TPU or TPEE foams provide a soft, comfortable feel while offering shock absorption to reduce foot fatigue during walking or sports.
TPU and TPEE materials are often used in heel and support structures to enhance stability and prevent ankle injuries during movement.
The moldability of TPU and TPEE enables customized footwear designs, such as adjusting sole hardness and rebound properties to meet specific athletic demands.
Supercritical foaming is pollution-free and energy-efficient, and TPU and TPEE materials are recyclable, driving the footwear industry toward greener development.
Combining TPU and TPEE properties in intelligent footwear materials can offer real-time support and feedback, further enhancing the wearing experience.
Supercritical foaming technology has opened new horizons for TPU and TPEE in the footwear industry with their unparalleled shock absorption and durability. From the high-energy feedback of running shoes to the enduring performance of outdoor footwear, and the everyday comfort of casual shoes, TPU and TPEE continuously push the boundaries of footwear material performance. In the future, these materials will drive innovations in the industry, delivering lighter, more durable, and more comfortable footwear to consumers.
