Application of new materials and finishing’s in orthopaedic footwear associated with orthosis

Abstract

The main purpose of the present work is to improve the comfort, in orthopaedic footwear associated with orthosis, applying new materials and new finishing. The most important aspects associated with the performance of this type of footwear are taken in consideration, namely, comfort, ergonomics, materials with breathable properties and capability to reduce odours. This desideratum will be reached through the selection and application of advanced materials, such, breathable membranes and fabric finished with anti-fungal and anti-bacteria treatments. In this work, midsole water release parameters were evaluated, as tensile strength, water vapour permeability, resistance of fabric to penetration by water were determined for the hydrophilic membranes. A new lining with breathable membrane and anti-odour finishing has been developed and tested. Water vapour permeability of the new lining was compared with a commercial leather lining, commercial lining with breathable membrane AquaStopT, breathable membrane and weave fabric. The possibility to use a laminated fabrics with a hydrophilic breathable membrane, associate with anti-odour finishing’s, for lining proposes has been demonstrated.