BASF Polyurethanes. Your Perfect Partner for Footwear

Transcription

1 BASF Polyurethanes Your Perfect Partner for Footwear

2 Content BASF Polyurethanes Worldwide Network Map Heart and Soul of Good Footwear Polyurethane for a More Comfortable Safety Shoe The Long Lasting Casual Sole Polyurethane the Sporting Choice The Right Support for Little Feet

3 BASF Polyurethanes Worldwide Network Map Regional Business Unit NAFTA Regional Business Unit Europe Regional Business Unit Asia Orange, United States Blackie, Canada Minneapolis, United States Carrollton, United States Geismar, United States Houston, United States Mexico City, Mexico Alfreton, United Kingdom Brussels, Belgium Toronto, Canada Paris, France Wyandotte, Livonia, United States Rubi, Spain Clemson, United States Lemförde, Germany Schwarzheide, Germany Nishnekamsk, Russian Solymar, Hungary Villanova d Asti Zingonia, Italia Göteborg, Sweden Istanbul, Turkey Iran Karachi Lahore New Delhi Dhaka Mumbai Bangkok Colombo Kuala Lumpur Beijing Yeosu Ulsan Seoul Shanghai Guangzhou Taiwan Nansha Hong Kong Philippines Ho Chi Minh City Singapore Japan Jakarta BASF Polyurethane Headquarter Regional Headquarter Regional Technical Development Center Basic Chemical Plant Sao Paulo, Brazil System House TPU Plant Asia Pacific Sales Offices Buenos Aires, Argentina Johannesburg, South Africa Melbourne Auckland

4 Heart and Soul of Good Footwear Our shoes carry us through each day, stoically delivering all that we expect from them in terms of strength, comfort, fl exibility, and effortless style. We all expect and demand these things in no small measure. The stiletto heel, for example, routinely withstand the levels of pressure equal to one and a half kilometers under the sea. During its lifetime, we expect a sport or work shoe to cushion and protect us from shocks, strains and sprains through more than a million steps.

5 For a shoe manufacturer it can be a challenge to meet the varied demands that consumers place on their shoes, but there is one special polymer that meets these many demands and is so extraordinarily versatile that it is now the heart and soul of good, modern shoe technology. Polyurethane (PU) is lightweight and extremely durable. With slight changes in its chemical properties, it makes products as tough as the outsole on a safety shoe, as springy as the cushioning in a cross-trainer, or as striking and versatile as synthetic leather. BASF is a world-leader in PU technology, and through our Asia Footwear Technical Center in Nansha, Guangdong, China, we make this technology available to footwear manufacturers throughout Asia-Pacifi c, offering advanced, tailored solutions to any requirement.

6 Polyurethane for a More Comfortable Safety Shoe Providing great cushioning as well as strength and durability, polyurethane protects and comforts your feet so that you can last all day long. PU double-density safety shoes use polyurethane in both the hard, protective outsole and the soft, cushioning insole. They are practical and lightweight and offer a range of advantages including: reducing the shock forces to the feet, knees, hips and lower back reducing the risk of shock-related injury to the feet and lower back providing comfort by cushioning and soothing the feet all day giving ongoing protection to damaged or infl amed joints improving the fl exibility of the sole BASF provides proven solutions to leading safety footwear manufacturers in Europe and Asia. These all conform to the EU s EN20344/20345 safety standards.

7 Safety Single density Dual density Midsole Outsole Density kg/m ,100 Hardness Shore A Tensile strength N/mm Elongation at break % Abrasion resistance mg Flexural strength no cut growth 30,000 cycles 30,000 cycles 30,000 cycles

8 Upper Cushion Comfort, PU foot bed Flexible, non-woven insole board with fl ex perforations at the forepart Lightweight, shock-absorbing PU midsole Strong, durable PU/ TPU (Elastollan) outsole Many independent tests have shown that multi-density soling provides more effective cushioning and shock absorption than a soft footbed placed inside a shoe with a hard, heavy sole. BASF is the market leader in safety shoe soling in Europe and we are constantly working with leading safety footwear companies to improve the comfort and performance of safety shoes.

9 A Few Safety Shoe FAQs What is the life span of an industrial shoe? On average, you could expect a safety shoe to last at least one year in normal factory conditions and at least six months in rugged conditions such as a mine or construction site, although the actual life span of a shoe would obviously be affected by the quality of the shoe and how it was being worn. To maximize the life span, it is important to make sure that the type of shoe sole is appropriate to the working conditions. There is no one type of safety shoe that is appropriate for all conditions. Are safety shoes with polyurethane outsoles safe to use? Polyurethane is safe to use in safety shoes and it offers signifi cant advantages over rubber compounds, since it has a lower density and is simpler and cheaper to process. Moreover, it is always important to make sure that the shoe specifi cation matches the working conditions. If a shoe has the type of outsole that is prone to cracking, for example, it will be hazardous to the wearer since it may cause slipping and exposure to chemicals. One point to remember with polyurethane is that it will melt at high temperatures (PU M.P.120ºc), which making it diffi cult for the wearer in, say, a fi re situation to walk or run. What is the difference between welt and direct injection shoe construction? In a shoe made using the welt method, the processed outsole is cemented and then heavily stitched to the leather uppers. This process makes the shoe doubly durable for industrial purposes. Common welt methods include the Goodyear Welt and the Norwegian Welt. In the direct injection method, the leather upper of the shoe is fi xed directly to the outsole by injecting rubber into the outsole mold and allowing the leather to adhere to the outsole as the rubber cools and hardens. Are safety shoes certified to international standards? Although safety shoes are essentially made to universallyrecognized standards, there is no international certifi cation system. Safety shoes are certifi ed by local certifying bodies in each particular country or region. In the EU, for example, the relevant safety standard is EN20344/20345.

10 The Long Lasting Casual Sole COMFORT CRAFTSMANSHIP LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE DURABILITY INNOVATION In fashion and casual footwear, polyurethane offers the dynamite combination of visual appeal and sustained performance. PU outsoles have the light weight and high-quality texture and fi nish required for a fashion shoe, but they also outperform other materials in durability and resistance to oil and abrasion. The many advantages offered by PU fashion and casual outsoles include: Light weight for better comfort Superior cushioning Strong durability Flexibility Superior fl exibility at low temperatures (down to -20ºc) BASF is the leading supplier of PU to globally-branded casual shoe manufacturers. These companies choose to work with BASF because of our reliability, product consistency and most importantly, innovation.

11 With our Asia Footwear Technical Center and PU system house in Nansha, China, BASF is able to offer world-class levels of technical service and reliability to footwear manufacturers in the Asia Pacifi c region. With many branded, casual shoe manufacturers located within hours driving time of the Nansha facility, BASF is the only trans-national PU company able to simultaneously produce, test and develop PU products for footwear in the heart of this footwear manufacting region. The Nansha facility is also the only one in the region capable of producing, developing and testing Polyether-based (PEOL) and Polyester-based (PESOL) PU systems for footwear. PEOL systems are extremely durable, showing zero degradation under the hydrolysis test, which simulates long-term usage, and PESOL systems can achieve extremely high levels of mechanical properties and performance. Casual Single density Midsole Dual density Outsole Sandals Ladies fashion Feel wood Density kg/m , Hardness Shore A D Base polymer Polyester Polyether Polyester Polyether Polyester Polyether Polyester Polyether Polyester Polyether Polyester Polyether Comfort Moulded Slab Density kg/m Hardness Asker C Tensile strength N/mm Compression set % <20 <20 Base polymer Polyether Polyether

12 Polyurethane the Sporting Choice Wearing the right sports shoe can mean more than just winning or losing. It may be the difference between enjoying the game or suffering a serious injury or fall. Polyurethane is highly valued in the sports shoe industry because of the ease with which it can be molded, and it provides great cushioning, durability and fl exibility at very little weight. BASF is working with international sports brands and research universities to improve the properties of PU to offer the best performance and comfort. While weight reduction remains important, it is no longer the primary focus in terms of sports shoe research. There is now a strong emphasis on extending the sustainability of PU s superior cushioning effect, which can be crucial in preventing injuries when sports shoes are used over long periods. BASF develops and produces PU for sports footwear at our Asia Footwear Technical Center and PU system house in Nansha Guangdong, China. This brings us very close to our customers in Asia Pacifi c and enables us to provide rapid, tailored solutions to all requirements.

13 Competent technicians also offer on-site support whenever called for. The BASF combination of entrepreneurial technical service and short production lead times assures our customers of the rapid response times so critical when it comes to raising productivity. The most important part of a running shoe is the midsole, a layer that provides cushioning and stability between the outsole and the shoe upper. It needs to absorb shock, control motion and be both fl exible and durable. Sports Elastofl ite Midsole Density kg/m 3 ASTM D Hardness Asker C ASTM D Hardness Shore A DIN Tensile strength N/mm 2 ASTM D Elongation at break % ASTM D Propertise after hydrolysis at 70ºc, 168 hours, 100% RH Hardness retention % ASTM D-297 >90 >90 >95 Tensile strength retention % ASTM D-412 >90 >90 >95 Elongation at break % ASTM D-412 >300 >380 >250 Base polymer Polyester Polyester Polyether Interestingly, it is the midsole, rather than the outsole, that is generally the fi rst part of a running shoe to wear out. You ll know this is happening when the material at the midsole starts to crease. A brief guide to the form and function of the main types of sports shoe: A running shoe should provide excellent heel cushioning and shock absorption, a fl exible forefoot and a distinct Achilles notch. A walking shoe should be more rigid than a running shoe, with a rounded sole so that bodyweight can smoothly shift from heel to toes. While running and walking shoes are designed to assist movement forward and back, cross-trainers and basketball, aerobics and tennis shoes are designed to control sideways movements.

14 The Right Support for Little Feet Children s feet grow and change very quickly, and as they do so, their footwear needs also change. Toddlers, for example, need shoes that are very light, with smooth outsoles to reduce friction that might cause them to trip or fall. Older children, on the other hand, need shoes that cushion and grip as they run about. Polyurethane is so versatile that, with slight changes in its chemical properties, it can meet these various needs. At our Nansha facility, BASF works closely with regional manufacturers of children s shoes to develop tailored PU solutions for a whole range of specifi c requirements and applications.

15 As a brief guide to children s feet and the type of shoes they need, here are a few handy facts from the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society: Babies and crawlers do not need shoes. They only need booties, warm, wide socks to keep their feet warm, or pre-walking shoes that do not bind their feet. Flat outsoles make it easier for children to begin walking. Ideally, children aged 9 to 18 months need a high-top shoe that will stay on the foot better than an Oxford or a low-top tennis shoe. The sole of a toddler s shoe should be as smooth as the palm of your hand, to reduce friction that could cause the child to trip or fall. Children s feet grow in spurts, so they generally require new shoes every three to four months. Older children can wear shoes with heels, but these should not be higher than 2.5cm, as this can cause the foot to slide forward, cramping the toes against the front of the shoe. Because children s feet perspire greatly, they should wear shoes with uppers made of breathable material. Wearing inappropriate or poorly-fi tted shoes can cause problems for a growing child, including ingrown toenails, hammer toes, calluses and bunions.

16 Choosing the Right Shoe Many of our direct customers are experts in shoe design, costing and production. However, like all shoe-wearers, we often need to be reminded that choosing the right shoe is not simply a matter of picking the right color or brand. You and your children may appreciate these few handy tips, developed by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, on choosing footwear that s right for you: Try on new shoes towards the end of the day. The feet normally swell and become larger as the day progresses. Have both feet measured every time you buy shoes. The foot size increases as the children get older. Shoes should be fi tted carefully to the heel as well as the toes. Try on both shoes. There should be one fi nger s width of space between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Fit new shoes on the largest foot. Most children have one foot larger than the other. Walk around in the shoes to make sure they fi t well and feel comfortable. Sizes vary among shoe brands and styles. Judge a shoe by how it fi ts on the foot, not by the marked size. When the shoe is on the foot, ther toes should able to wiggle freely. If the shoes feel too tight, don t buy them. There is no such thing as a break-in period. BASF Regional Headquarters Greater China Region Asia Pacific Region BASF East Asia Regional Headquarters Ltd 42/F, Floor, Jardine House, No.1 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong Tel: Fax: BASF Polyurethanes (China) Co Ltd No.408, Huanshi Road South, Guangzhou Nansha Economic & Technical Development Zone, Guangdong, , PR China Tel: Fax: BASF (China) Co Ltd Guangzhou Branch Suite , Dongshan Plaza, 69 Xian Lie Road Central, Guangzhou , PR China Tel: Fax: BASF Polyurethanes (Taiwan) Co Ltd No.11 Jen Cheng Road, Hsinchu Industrial Park, Hsinchu County, Taiwan, R.O.C Tel: Fax: BASF Polyurethanes India Ltd Thane Belapur Road, Turbhe, Navi Mumbai, , India Tel : Fax : , Kailash Enclave Illrd Floor, Lala Lajpat Rai Road, New Delhi, , India Tel : Fax : PT BASF Indonesia Plaza GRI, 10th & 11th Floor, JI. HR Rasuna Said Bl. X2/1, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia Tel: Fax: BASF Chemicals & Polymers Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd 46-A, Block-6, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi, 75400, Pakistan Tel: Fax: BASF Polyurethanes (Thailand) Ltd 308/1 Moo 4 Soi 5, Bangpoo Industrial Estate, Sukhumvit Road, Preakasa, Muang, Samutprakarn, 10280, Thailand Tel: Fax: BASF Singapore Pte Ltd HCMC Representative Office Saigon Trade Center, # , 37 Ton Duc Thang Street, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City Tel: Fax: = registered trademark of BASF The information submitted in this publication is based on our current knowledge and experience. In view of the many factors that may affect processing and application, these data do not relieve processors from the responsibility of carrying out their own tests and experiments; neither do they imply and legally binding (assurance) of certain properties of suitability for a specifi c purpose. It is the responsibility of those to whom we supply our products to ensure that any proprietary rights and existing laws and legislation are observed.