Dynamic Non-Wicking PU Foam for Waterproof Shoe Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing non-wicking PU foam for shoe materials are complex, energy-intensive, and result in non-uniformity, affecting the quality of waterproof and air-permeable high-grade shoes.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic non-wicking PU foam is prepared using a formulation of polyether polyols, diisocyanates, dynamic non-wicking additives such as carboxylic acids, amines, or alcohols, and auxiliary agents, which react to form amides and carbamates with hydrophobic alkyl groups, enhancing waterproof and non-wicking properties during the foaming process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional reprocessing methods (soaking with waterproof agent, drying) are used to prepare non-wicking PU foam, then waterproof properties can be achieved, but the process becomes complicated and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the waterproofing function and the foam structure formation into a single integrated process. The hydrophobic alkyl groups are incorporated directly into the polymer chain during foam preparation, merging the waterproofing agent application with the foam synthesis step, thereby eliminating separate soaking and drying operations
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic properties are built into the polymer structure during the foam preparation stage itself, rather than applying waterproofing agents afterward. The carboxylic acids, amines, or alcohols with hydrophobic alkyl groups are pre-incorporated into the PU foam structure, so the waterproofing function is established before the foam is completed
2Reliability
If traditional reprocessing methods are used to prepare non-wicking PU foam, then waterproof properties can be achieved, but energy consumption increases due to drying processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the waterproofing function with the foam structure formation in a single integrated process. The hydrophobic alkyl groups are incorporated directly into the polymer chain during foam preparation, eliminating the need for separate drying operations and associated energy consumption
3Reliability
If traditional reprocessing methods are used to prepare non-wicking PU foam, then waterproof properties can be achieved, but non-uniformity in non-wicking effects occurs due to unstable process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the waterproofing function directly into the foam synthesis process, ensuring uniform distribution of hydrophobic groups throughout the polymer structure. This single-step approach eliminates the variability introduced by multiple separate operations, achieving consistent non-wicking effects across the entire foam material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the PU foam by incorporating carboxylic acids, amines, or alcohols with hydrophobic alkyl groups. This changes the molecular structure to include built-in hydrophobic properties, transforming the material from hydrophilic to hydrophobic at the molecular level, which ensures uniform non-wicking performance
4Reliability
If traditional reprocessing methods are used to prepare non-wicking PU foam, then waterproof properties can be achieved, but product quality is seriously affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines waterproofing and foam structure formation into one integrated process, ensuring that the hydrophobic properties are uniformly distributed throughout the material from the beginning, which significantly improves overall product quality and consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition by incorporating hydrophobic alkyl groups into the polymer chain, fundamentally altering the material properties to achieve both waterproof performance and high product quality simultaneously
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The resulting foam exhibits high stability and excellent non-wicking performance, ensuring both comfort and quality in waterproof shoes, with non-wicking performance significantly improved compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
During the foaming process, carboxylic acids, amines or alcohols react with the isocyanate to form the corresponding amides, alkyl-substituted ureas and carbamates
Implementation Method 2
The alkyl group in the carboxylic acid, alcohol and amine molecule is employed as the hydrophobic group in the side chain to shield the hydrophilic group in the main chain, so that the whole molecule has good waterproof and non-wicking effects
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a dynamic non-wicking PU foam and preparation and application thereof The PU foam is prepared from polyether polyol, toluene-2,4-diisocyanate, non-wicking additive and auxiliary agent. The dynamic non-wicking additive is composed of carboxylic acids, amines and alkyl alcohols in any proportion. The auxiliary agent is composed of silicone surfactant, amine promoter, tin catalyst, pigment and water. The dynamic non-wicking PU foam has a high stability and an extremely non-wicking effect. The shoes made of the dynamic non-wicking PU foam also have extremely good dynamic non-wicking and waterproof effects, thus ensuring both comfort and stability of quality.