From Huntsman come two new Avalon TPU grades for applications in the footwear industry. The global TPU supplier introduced the new materials at Simac, the world tradefair for footwear in Milano, Italy.
Avalon 55 AHG is a soft soling material that is said to offer improved slip-resistance on both wet and dry surfaces. It has a nominal Shore hardness of 55A and can be used to make soft, thin, high definition, high grip parts in a variety of colours. With slip resistance properties that surpass vulcanized rubber and other TPU materials with a comparable Shore hardness – depending on sole design the Avalon TPU is well suited for the production of outsoles, thanks to its oil and petrol resistance and adherence to electro-static requirements in particular safety footwear. With improved abrasion and hydrolysis resistance combined with good slip performance, it is also suitable for the production of sports and casual shoes. Importantly it also passes ISO 13287 for testing slip resistance in protective and personal equipment. The TPU is said to display good processing on both injection and carousel casting machines and is suitable for the production of dual density footwear due to its compatibility with Daltoped PU midsole systems.
Craig Roberts, Global Footwear Marketing Manager at Huntsman, said: “The development of Avalon 55 AHG TPU is a big step forward in the performance of our high-grip TPU materials. When it comes to dry and wet slip resistance this product is strides ahead of anything we’ve developed before. In independent tests, the material exceeds the slip requirements on various substrates including the challenging combination of steel with glycerine.”
Avalon AB DI is designed to improve cycle time and to simplify the production of thick walled parts. It is said to offer significant demould improvements when compared to standard injection molding materials. Test results show that cooling time can be significantly reduced. The grade was developed following discussions between Huntsman and a major footwear component supplier who wanted to increase productivity when moulding footwear soles such as soccer plates. The TPU is also suitable for use in other injection moulding applications including the production of thick wall technical parts.
“Where injection molding companies are looking to increase capacity and productivity, our range of Avalon AB DI TPU offers an attractive alternative to our existing range of Avalon footwear TPUs. The range is also aligned with the current trends for simplification and automation in the footwear industry”, Roberts commented.