Every year more and more new materials are synthesized in the world. One of them - polyurethane - has been confidently developing its niche in the market for a huge range of industrial products since the middle of the last century. It is widely applied for the production of plastic building compositions and solid blanks, components for household appliances and the automotive industry, medical products, clothing and footwear.
What kind of material is polyurethane?
This synthetic polymer, made from crude oil, contains two main raw materials - isocyanate and polyol, as well as some additives. Its components, undergoing special processing technologies, interacting with each other in different proportions, form mixtures of various properties. Depending on the requirements for specific products, their structure can be soft, elastic, porous, hard or monolithic.
What kind of shoes are made from it?
Polyurethane materials are in greatest demand among consumers:
boots and galoshes similar to rubber ones.They are made from flexible elastomers;- flip-flops and foam-based winter boots.
Polyurethane is used to make not only everyday shoes, but also special protective shoes, for example, for enterprises working with chemical and radioactive substances. She indispensable for workers in extremely low temperatures, ideal for professional hunters and fishermen.
This material is also used to make soles and heels for many other types of shoes: shoes, summer sandals, demi-season and winter footwear made of leather and leatherette.
Important! When choosing boots, keep in mind that they should fit tightly around your calves to avoid chafing and the entry of snow and water. It is better to try on shoes before purchasing.
How are polyurethane shoes worn?
This is a universal material with excellent performance properties. Shoes made from it are quite wear-resistant, do not deform and do not change their structure at both high and low temperatures. It does not come apart when exposed to moisture and is not “corroded” by chemicals. In terms of strength, flexibility and lightness, it successfully competes with rubber.
Pros and cons of the material
Polyurethane has special characteristics that give it many advantages, it:
almost weightless, much lighter than rubber, PVC and leather;- not affected by chemicals. Does not deteriorate from reagents that utility services generously sprinkle
- roads in winter. Accordingly, there will be no whitish stains on the shoes;
- is not a nutritional substance for microorganisms;
- resistant to external mechanical stress, physical damage - shocks, scratches;
- resistant to abrasion and aging;
- cheaper than genuine leather;
- decomposes without releasing hazardous substances (under normal weather conditions).
Due to its porous structure, polyurethane foam has increased thermal insulation. It is particularly resistant to cold. Insulated boots can be worn at temperatures from +5˚С to -50˚С.
Despite the obvious advantages, the material has some disadvantages:
- airtightness. The body does not “breathe” in such shoes;
- does not tolerate twisting;
- its structure is destroyed at temperatures below -70˚С;
- toxic at the processing stage and at temperatures above +100˚С;
- practically not suitable for recycling;
- cheap products are inconvenient, their condition leaves much to be desired.
The higher the quality of the raw materials and the more complex the production technology, the more expensive the products.
What does “polyurethane leather”, “PU” leather mean?
Polyurethane leather is one of the latest developments. “Breathable”, it holds its shape well, does not contain PVC and is odorless. In appearance it is almost no different from natural wood, but in strength, elasticity, and frost resistance, it surpasses it. It is hygroscopic, absorbs moisture from the inside, but does not allow moisture to pass through from the outside.
Eco leather has two or three layers. Its reverse side is a fabric base, often in combination with defective natural leather processed using a special technology. Upper – polyurethane – due to its characteristics, it makes the material stronger and more practical to use, giving designers the opportunity to create things unique in color palette, decorate them with drawings and prints.
Important! Manufacturers do not always indicate the correct information about the composition of the material on the label. Therefore, when purchasing a product made from eco-leather, pay attention to its appearance and your tactile sensations.Polyurethane leather should be soft to the touch, lighter than leatherette and visually as similar as possible to natural leather.
Polyurethane is a well-proven material. Thanks to modern technologies, it is constantly improving, mastering new industries and is one of the most promising in the production of clothing, shoes and accessories.
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