Dual-Density Polyurethane Safety Footwear

More Reliable, Lighter, More Comfortable, More Dynamic

Safety is essential in demanding work conditions. Foot injuries are common in construction, mining and metal industries, food, logistics, automotive, machinery and chemical industries where physical labour is significant. Making the right choice based on the nature of work minimizes risk factors. Safety footwear developed on the basis of polyurethane's ease of application consists of 2 layers: an outer sole and a midsole. While the outer sole provides durability, the midsole offers comfort to the user. The outer sole resisting heat, cold, water, pressure, rust and oil, combined with the breathable midsole, allows you to stand firmly against the elements as a whole. In addition to Flokser's innovations in the slipper and sole field, our new polyurethane system, which is called safety footwear and aims to protect human health, seeks to make a difference in this area as well. The new product shown in Figure 1 makes it possible to produce both outer soles and midsoles by changing only the catalyst component in a 3-component polyurethane system.

Figure 1. Visual of dual-density safety footwear

With the stated advantages, component properties, reaction conditions and mechanical properties of the new polyurethane system were examined and the results obtained are presented in Table 1.

Table 1. Technical specifications of dual-density safety footwear

Having antistatic electrical resistance to reduce static electricity and minimize the harm that electrostatic discharge can cause to the human body, and having hydrolysis resistance in the sole for those working in aqueous environments, are the two most important properties expected from safety footwear. Safety footwear, which is among personal protective equipment, is subject to the EN ISO 20344 standard. The results of tests conducted on our product within the scope of this standard are presented in Table 2.

Table 2. Technical specifications under EN ISO 20344 standard

With our new polyurethane system developed at Flokser Kimya R&D Centre, a dual-density safety footwear system that can be used in midsole and outer sole applications has been brought to market. As a company, we will continue to make a difference in the sector and set direction for it through customer-focused innovative solutions. As Flokser, just as in other sectors, we are with you step by step on the path to success in your work in the safety footwear sector. Serpil Yılmaztürk Güney R&D Manager Flokser Kimya