Exploring the Mechanical and Thermal Impact of Natural Fillers on Thermoplastic Polyurethane and Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Footwear Sole Materials.

The increasing concern for sustainability in the footwear industry has spurred the exploration of eco-friendly alternatives for materials commonly used in sole manufacturing. This study examined the effect of incorporating rice straw and cellulose as fillers into soles made from either styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Both fillers were used as a substitute in mass percentages ranging from 5 to 20% in the original SBR and TPU formulas, and their impact on mechanical properties such as abrasion and tear resistance, as well as thermal properties, was thoroughly evaluated.

Development and Application of a Lignin-Based Polyol for Sustainable Reactive Polyurethane Adhesives Synthesis.

In response to the environmental impacts of conventional polyurethane adhesives derived from fossil fuels, this study introduces a sustainable alternative utilizing lignin-based polyols extracted from rice straw through a process developed at INESCOP. This research explores the partial substitution of traditional polyols with lignin-based equivalents in the synthesis of reactive hot melt polyurethane adhesives (HMPUR) for the footwear industry. The performance of these eco-friendly adhesives was rigorously assessed through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), rheological analysis, and T-peel tests to ensure their compliance with relevant industry standards.

Low-Temperature Soldering of Surface Mount Devices on Screen-Printed Silver Tracks on Fabrics for Flexible Textile Hybrid Electronics.

The combination of flexible-printed substrates and conventional electronics leads to flexible hybrid electronics. When fabrics are used as flexible substrates, two kinds of problems arise. The first type is related to the printing of the tracks of the corresponding circuit.