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Natural Fiber Reinforced Shoe Midsoles with Balanced Stiffness/Damping Behavior.
Michael Cordin1, Sandra Eberle1, Thomas Bechtold1
1Research Institute of Textile Chemistry and Textile Physics, University of Innsbruck, Hoechsterstrasse 73, 6850 Dornbirn, Austria.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 23, 2024
Summary
This study explored using hemp fibers in shoe midsoles to improve stiffness while maintaining shock absorption. Results indicate potential for cost-effective, sustainable enhancement of footwear comfort and performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomechanics
- Polymer Engineering
Background:
- Shoe midsole design is crucial for walking comfort, relying on materials like polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer to dampen impact forces.
- Current midsole materials often have a foam-like structure to enhance damping, but sustainable and cost-effective improvements are sought.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of incorporating hemp fibers into polymer matrix materials for shoe midsoles.
- To determine if hemp fibers can enhance stiffness without compromising the essential damping properties of the midsole.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of fiber-reinforced composites using hemp fibers within a polymer matrix (polyurethane).
- Characterization of mechanical properties through quasi-static tensile testing and dynamic mechanical analysis.
- Microscopic examination (optical and electron) to study fiber-matrix embedding.
Main Results:
- Analysis of mechanical properties in relation to hemp fiber type, weight fraction, and polyurethane type.
- Evaluation of the impact of hemp fiber incorporation on stiffness and damping behavior.
- Microscopy provided insights into fiber dispersion and adhesion within the polymer matrix.
Conclusions:
- Hemp fibers show potential as a sustainable additive to enhance the stiffness of shoe midsole materials.
- Further research is needed to optimize fiber loading and processing for balanced mechanical and damping properties.
- This approach could lead to more comfortable and eco-friendly footwear.
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