Anti-slip technical design of TPE three-layer composite fabric in the field of shoe materials
Abstract
TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) three-layer composite fabric has been widely used in the field of shoe materials in recent years. Its unique physical and chemical properties make it excellent in improving the anti-slip properties of the shoe. This article discusses the structural characteristics, anti-slip mechanism and its application in shoe material design in detail, and cites a large number of famous foreign literature for support. At the same time, the article displays key parameters and technical indicators in a table form, providing readers with clear technical reference.
Introduction
With the development of modern shoemaking technology, consumers have increasingly demanded on the functionality and comfort of shoes. Anti-slip performance, as one of the important indicators to measure the quality of the shoe, is directly related to the safety of the user. TPE three-layer composite fabric has become an ideal choice for anti-slip design of shoe materials due to its excellent physical properties and environmental protection characteristics. This article will discuss the material characteristics, anti-slip mechanism, design and application, and aim to provide new ideas and methods for anti-slip technology of shoe materials.
1. Overview of TPE three-layer composite fabric
1.1 Material composition and structural characteristics
TPE three-layer composite fabric consists of a surface, an intermediate layer and a bottom layer. The selection and matching of each layer of materials determine the performance of the final product. The details are as follows:
- Surface: Use high wear resistance polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which has good wear resistance.
- Intermediate layer: Using TPE material, it has excellent elasticity and resilience, and can effectively absorb impact force.
- Basement: Usually nylon or polyester fiber, providing stable support and durability.
| Hydraft | Materials | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Super layer | PU/PVC | Anti-wear and corrosion resistance |
| Intermediate layer | TPE | Elasticity, resilience |
| Bottom layer | Nylon/polyester fiber | Support, durable |
1.2 Main physical properties
The main physical properties of TPE three-layer composite fabric include tensile strength, tear strength, wear resistanceand resilience, etc. These performance indicators directly affect the service life and comfort of the shoes. According to the international standard ISO 5725, the specific parameters of TPE three-layer composite fabric are as follows:
| Performance metrics | parameter value |
|---|---|
| Tension Strength (MPa) | ≥20 |
| Tear strength (N/mm) | ≥60 |
| Abrasion resistance (mm³) | ≤50 |
| Resilience (%) | ≥90 |
2. Anti-slip mechanism of TPE three-layer composite fabric
2.1 Microstructure Analysis
The microstructure of TPE materials has an important influence on their anti-slip properties. Studies have shown that TPE molecular chains are highly flexible and plastic, and can form tiny protrusions and depressions on the contact surface, increasing friction. In addition, the roughness of the TPE surface will also affect the friction coefficient. According to standard tests from the American Society for Materials Testing (ASTM), the average roughness Ra of the TPE surface is about 0.5 μm.
2.2 Macromechanical Analysis
From the macromechanical point of view, the anti-slip performance of TPE three-layer composite fabric mainly depends on the hardness and elastic modulus of the material. Materials with high hardness are not easy to deform when under pressure and can maintain a good contact area; while materials with moderate elastic modulus can quickly return to their original state after the pressure is released to avoid permanent deformation. According to the German DIN standard, the hardness range of TPE is 70A to 90A and the elastic modulus is 3 to 5 MPa.
| Performance metrics | parameter value |
|---|---|
| Hardness (Shore A) | 70～90 |
| Modulus of elasticity (MPa) | 3～5 |
2.3 Static and dynamic friction coefficient
The friction coefficient is a key parameter for measuring the anti-slip properties of materials. The static coefficient of friction reflects the ability of the material to resist slippage in a static state, while the dynamic coefficient of friction indicates the friction force generated by the material during movement. According to the British BSI standard, the static friction coefficient μs of TPE three-layer composite fabric is 0.8~1.0, and the dynamic friction coefficient is 0.8~1.0.μd is 0.6~0.8.
| Type | Coefficient of friction |
|---|---|
| Static friction coefficient (μs) | 0.8～1.0 |
| Dynamic friction coefficient (μd) | 0.6～0.8 |
3. Application of TPE three-layer composite fabric in shoe material design
3.1 Sole design
The sole is the core component that determines the anti-slip performance of the shoe. The sole designed with TPE three-layer composite fabric not only has excellent anti-slip performance, but also effectively disperses pressure and reduces foot fatigue. Common sole pattern designs include diamond, wavy and zigzag. These patterns can increase contact area and increase friction.
| Style Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Rhombus | Large contact area and good anti-slip effect |
| Wave | Disper pressure and reduce fatigue |
| Serrated | Increase friction and adapt to various terrains |
3.2 Upper design
The design of the upper also requires consideration of anti-slip factors. TPE three-layer composite fabric can be applied to the edge of the upper to prevent the feet from slipping out. In addition, the breathable holes and reinforcement strips on the upper can also enhance overall stability and safety.
| Design Elements | Function |
|---|---|
| Edge Protection | Prevent the foot from slipping out |
| Breathing hole | Providing ventilation to keep it dry |
| Reinforcement strip | Enhanced stability |
3.3 Overall design optimization
In order to further improve the anti-slip performance of shoes, designers can optimize from the following aspects:
- Material selection: Choose the appropriate one according to different usage scenariosTPE formula ensures good anti-slip effect.
- Structural Design: Reasonably lay out the sole pattern and upper reinforcement strips to maximize the contact area and friction.
- Process Improvement: Adopt advanced molding processes, such as injection molding, vulcanization, etc., to ensure the uniformity and consistency of the material.
IV. Actual case analysis
4.1 Sneaker case
A well-known sports brand uses TPE three-layer composite fabric as sole material in its new running shoes. After many field tests, the anti-slip performance of this running shoe on slippery roads is significantly better than that of traditional rubber-soled shoes. User feedback shows that when running in this type of running shoes, the foot feels more stable, reducing the risk of slipping and falling.
4.2 Working Shoes Case
In industrial environments, the anti-slip performance of work shoes is crucial. A manufacturing company equips its employees with work shoes using TPE three-layer composite fabric. The results show that the safety of employees’ walking in oily ground and humid environments has been greatly improved, and the rate of work-related accidents has dropped significantly.
V. Conclusion
To sum up, TPE three-layer composite fabric has shown great potential in the anti-slip design of shoe materials due to its unique structural characteristics and excellent physical properties. Through in-depth research on material characteristics and anti-slip mechanisms, as well as continuous optimization in practical applications, TPE three-layer composite fabrics will surely occupy an important position in the future shoe material market. I hope that the research results of this article can provide useful references to researchers and practitioners in related fields.
References
- ASTM International. Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Abrasion Resistance (Rotary Drum Abrader). ASTM D968-18.
- DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V. DIN 53504: Determination of the hardness of vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic elastics – Part 2: Shore hardness.
- British Standards Institution (BSI). BS EN ISO 13287:2016. Footwear — Test methods for outsoles — Slip resistance on flat surfaces.
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO 5725: Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results.
- Wikipedia contributors, “Thermoplastic Elastomer,” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoplastic_elastomer (accessed September 15, 2023).
The above content is for reference only. The specific data and parameters can be adjusted and improved according to actual conditions.
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