Vegetable Oil Additive for Polyurethane Boot Surface Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waterproof boots, particularly those made from rubber or neoprene and vulcanized rubber, are often inflexible, heavy, and have poor fit and bonding issues, with manufacturing processes leading to surface defects and inadequate optical properties.
Innovation Solution
A process for preparing polyurethane moldings by combining a reaction mixture of polyisocyanate and a component with two functional groups, with the addition of vegetable oils, which improves surface smoothness and bonding without compromising mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rubber or neoprene and vulcanized rubber are used to make waterproof boots, then the boots provide strength, puncture resistance, and durability, but they become inflexible, heavy, and have poor fit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using polyurethane foam instead of traditional rubber or neoprene-vulcanized rubber constructions. This material substitution fundamentally alters the density and mechanical properties, achieving weight reduction while maintaining protective functions through the foam structure's inherent characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material construction with multiple layers including outer rubber layer, intermediate foam layer, and inner lining, where each layer contributes different properties. The combination achieves both protection (from the rubber outer layer) and light weight/comfort (from the foam core), resolving the contradiction between strength and weight
2Reliability
If rubber and vulcanized rubber construction is used with laborious manufacturing process, then the boots achieve waterproofing and durability, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple manufacturing steps into a more integrated process. The foam formation and bonding operations are combined in a streamlined sequence, reducing the number of separate labor-intensive steps while maintaining the waterproofing and durability requirements through the multi-layer construction approach
3Strength
If heat is applied during vulcanization process, then the rubber layer is vulcanized onto the neoprene sock, but the neoprene may take a set and lose elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bonding process parameters by using alternative bonding methods or modified temperature profiles that achieve adequate adhesion between layers without subjecting the neoprene to excessive heat. This parameter adjustment preserves the neoprene's elastic properties while still achieving the necessary bonding strength for waterproofing
4Weight of moving object
If foam formation process is used to prepare boots, then the boots achieve light weight and comfort, but the surface has defects and optical properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary surface treatment or coating operations before final product completion. By preparing the foam surface in advance through smoothing operations or applying corrective coatings, the defects are addressed proactively, enabling the product to achieve both light weight and acceptable surface quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses surface coating or coloring treatments to mask surface defects inherent in foam formation. By applying decorative or protective coatings, the optical appearance is improved while the underlying foam structure retains its light weight and comfort properties
5Ease of manufacture
If bonding between different parts is attempted in conventional processes, then the parts are joined together, but the bonding is not sufficient for footwear application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes bonding parameters including surface preparation methods, adhesive selection, and bonding conditions to achieve sufficient bonding strength for footwear applications. By carefully adjusting these parameters, reliable bonding is achieved without excessive manufacturing complexity
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 process results in polyurethane moldings with enhanced smoothness and bonding, maintaining mechanical properties and being suitable for use in waterproof boots, offering improved fit and performance.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the reaction mixture (M) to react to form a polyurethane molding
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a process for preparing polyurethane moldings, including the steps of providing a reaction mixture (M), including at least one polyisocyanate, and at least one component with two functional groups which are reactive towards isocyanates, introducing the reaction mixture (M) into a mold and allowing the reaction mixture (M) to react to form a polyurethane molding. In the first step, at least one additive selected from vegetable oils is added to the mixture (M). The present disclosure also relates to a polyurethane molding obtained or obtainable according to said process and the use of a polyurethane molding according to the invention as sole of a boot or part of a sole of a boot.