Optimize the manufacturing process of hiking shoes using shoe material anti-yellowing agent

Research on the application of anti-yellowing agent for shoe materials in hiking shoes manufacturing process

1. Introduction: The “defending battle” of hiking shoes

In this era of “appearance is justice”, a pair of hiking shoes with bright appearance is not only synonymous with functionality, but also a symbol of fashion and taste. However, when the sun shines on the upper, time quietly passes, and the originally flawless upper gradually turns a regrettable yellow, which is undoubtedly a heavy blow to the appearance of hiking shoes. This phenomenon is called “yellow change”, which not only affects the aesthetics of shoes, but also may reduce consumers’ desire to buy and brand loyalty. In order to solve this problem, anti-yellowing agents in the shoe material came into being and became an indispensable and important role in the manufacturing process of hiking shoes.

Anti-yellowing agent is a chemical additive specially used to prevent color changes caused by external factors such as oxidation, ultraviolet rays or high temperatures. In the manufacturing of hiking shoes, shoe cotton (such as EVA, TPU, etc.) is the main component of the sole and midsole. Its flexibility and comfort provide hikers with good support and cushioning effects. However, these materials are prone to yellowing when used for a long time or exposed to harsh environments, thereby weakening the market competitiveness of the products. Therefore, rational selection and use of anti-yellowing agents and optimize the manufacturing process can not only effectively extend the service life of the shoes, but also improve the brand image and user satisfaction.

This article will discuss in-depth the application of anti-yellowing agent for shoe materials in hiking shoes. First, the basic principles and types of anti-yellowing agents are introduced; secondly, their applicability and specific mechanism of action in different shoe materials are analyzed; then the actual effect of anti-yellowing agents is displayed by comparing experimental data; then specific suggestions for optimizing the manufacturing process are proposed and future development trends are expected. We hope that through this research, we will provide scientific reference for hiking shoe manufacturers and help them stand out in the fierce market competition.


2. Basic principles and classification of anti-yellowing agents for shoe materials

(I) Mechanism of action of anti-yellowing agent

To understand how anti-yellowing agents work, we first need to clarify the root cause of yellowing. Yellowing is usually caused by the degradation or oxidation reaction of polymer compounds in the shoe material under the influence of the external environment (such as ultraviolet rays, oxygen, humidity and heat). For example, EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) will form peroxides under ultraviolet irradiation, which in turn will trigger a radical chain reaction, causing material to discolor and even deteriorate its performance. The effect of anti-yellowing agents is to protect the color and physical properties of the shoe material by inhibiting or terminating these adverse reactions.

Anti-yellowing agents mainly realize their functions through the following two mechanisms:

  1. Free Radical Capture
    Anti-yellowing agents can capture and neutralize free radicals generated during material degradation, preventing them from further initiating chain reactions. ThisThe method is similar to putting a layer of “protective clothing” on the material to protect it from outside.

  2. Ultraviolet absorption
    Some anti-yellowing agents have the function of absorbing ultraviolet rays, which can convert ultraviolet rays into harmless heat and dissipate them, thereby avoiding the direct damage of ultraviolet rays to the shoe material. This is like installing a “sun protection window” for the shoes to block the invasion of ultraviolet rays.

(II) Classification of anti-yellowing agents

Depending on the mechanism of action, anti-yellowing agents can be divided into the following categories:

Category Features Common Types Application Scenario
Light Stabilizer Absorb UV rays and reduce photoaging UV absorbers (such as benzotriazoles, salicylates) Shoe materials that require long-term exposure to the sun, such as outdoor hiking shoes soles
Antioxidants Catch free radicals and delay oxidation reaction Stealed phenols, amines, phosphites Shoe materials for indoor or light outdoor use, such as indoor sneaker midsole
Synergy Stabilizer Combined with multiple mechanisms to enhance the overall effect Complex anti-yellowing agent (such as UV absorbers + antioxidants) High-end products or special needs occasions

1. Photo stabilizer

Light stabilizers are a class of anti-yellowing agents specifically targeting ultraviolet radiation. They effectively reduce the damage to shoe materials by absorbing ultraviolet energy and converting it into heat energy to release it. Common light stabilizers include benzotriazoles and salicylate compounds. This type of anti-yellowing agent is particularly suitable for hiking shoes that require long-term exposure to the sun, and can significantly improve the weather resistance of the shoe material.

2. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are mainly used to prevent the shoe material from yellowing due to oxidation reaction during storage or use. They interrupt the oxidation chain reaction by capturing free radicals or decomposing peroxides, thereby protecting the performance of the shoe material. Due to its high efficiency and stability, hindered phenolic antioxidants have been widely used in the field of shoe materials and cotton. In addition, amines and phosphite antioxidants also have their own characteristics, and the appropriate type can be selected according to the specific needs.

3. Synergistic stabilizer

Synergy stabilizers are a combination of the advantages of light stabilizers and antioxidantsAnti-yellowing agent. They absorb UV rays and capture free radicals, thus providing a more comprehensive protection effect. For high-end hiking shoes or special-purpose shoe materials, synergistic stabilizers are undoubtedly the best choice.


3. Analysis of the application of anti-yellowing agents in different shoe materials

(I) Application of EVA Shoe Materials

EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) is a common material for midsoles and soles of hiking shoes, and is known for its excellent flexibility, resilience and wear resistance. However, EVA is prone to yellowing in high temperature or ultraviolet environments, which seriously affects its appearance and performance. To this end, researchers have developed a variety of anti-yellowing agent formulations suitable for EVA.

Anti-yellowing agent type Add ratio (wt%) Yellow Index Improvement Rate (%) Remarks
Benzotriazole light stabilizers 0.5-1.0 60-70 EVA that is sensitive to ultraviolet rays is especially effective
Stealed phenolic antioxidants 0.3-0.8 40-50 Improve the antioxidant capacity of EVA
Synergy Stabilizer (light stabilizer + antioxidant) 0.8-1.5 80-90 Good comprehensive effect

Experiments show that the yellowing index of EVA shoes treated with synergistic stabilizers can be reduced by more than 80%, while maintaining good mechanical properties and processing characteristics.

(II) Application of TPU Shoe Materials

TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer) has been widely used in high-end hiking shoes due to its high strength, wear resistance and oil resistance. However, TPU is also prone to yellowing under ultraviolet and humid conditions. To address this problem, researchers recommend the following anti-yellowing agent regimen:

Anti-yellowing agent type Add ratio (wt%) Yellow Index Improvement Rate (%) Remarks
Salicylate light stabilizers 0.6-1.2 65-75 Fit for high transparency TPU
Phosphate antioxidants 0.4-0.9 45-55 Improve the heat resistance of the TPU
Synergy Stabilizer (light stabilizer + antioxidant) 1.0-1.8 85-95 Applicable to high-performance TPU footwear

By adding synergistic stabilizer, the yellowing index of TPU shoes can be reduced by more than 90%, and its tensile strength and elongation at break are not significantly affected.

(III) Application of PU Shoe Materials

PU (polyurethane) shoes are often used for the lining and outsole of hiking shoes, and have good softness and water resistance. However, because its molecular structure contains groups that are prone to oxidation, PU shoe materials also face the problem of yellowing. The following are several commonly used anti-yellowing agents and their effects:

Anti-yellowing agent type Add ratio (wt%) Yellow Index Improvement Rate (%) Remarks
Benzoate light stabilizers 0.8-1.5 70-80 PU shoe materials suitable for outdoor use
Amine antioxidants 0.5-1.0 50-60 Improve the durability of the PU
Synergy Stabilizer (light stabilizer + antioxidant) 1.2-2.0 90-95 The overall effect is significant

Study shows that the application effect of synergistic stabilizers in PU shoes is outstanding, which not only greatly reduces the yellowing index, but also improves the overall performance of the shoes.


IV. Comparative analysis of experimental data

In order to verify the actual effect of anti-yellowing agents, the researchers designed a series of comparative experiments to test the yellowing performance of untreated, single-anti-yellowing agent-treated and synergistic stabilizer-treated shoe samples under different environmental conditions.

Experimental Design

  1. Sample preparation: Three shoe materials: EVA, TPU and PU are selected as experimental subjects.
  2. Environmental simulation: Set four experimental conditions – room temperature avoidance, room temperature light, high temperature light and high temperature light.
  3. Test method: Use a spectrophotometer to measure the yellowing index (YI) of the sample and record its change trend.

Experimental results

Material Type Environmental Conditions Unprocessed Single Antibody Yellowing Agent Treatment Synergy treatment
EVA Room Temperature Light YI=12 YI=8 YI=4
TPU High temperature light YI=15 YI=10 YI=5
PU Room Temperature to avoid light YI=8 YI=5 YI=2

It can be seen from the table that no matter what environmental conditions are under, the shoe samples treated with synergistic stabilizer show a low yellowing index, indicating that their comprehensive effect is significantly better than that of single anti-yellowing agents.


5. Specific suggestions for optimizing manufacturing processes

Based on the above research results, we put forward the following suggestions for optimizing manufacturing processes:

  1. Reasonable selection of anti-yellowing agent type
    Choose the appropriate anti-yellowing agent type according to the type of shoe material and usage environment. For example, for EVA shoe materials that require long-term exposure to sunlight, light stabilizers or synergistic stabilizers are preferred.

  2. Control the ratio
    The ratio of the anti-yellowing agent should be accurately regulated based on experimental data to ensure that the ideal anti-yellowing effect is achieved without negatively affecting other properties of the shoe material.

  3. Improving the mixing process
    During the production of shoe materials, the dispersion and compatibility of the anti-yellowing agent should be fully considered, and by optimizing the mixing temperature and time, it is ensured to be evenly distributed inside the shoe materials.

  4. Strengthen quality inspection
    Establish a complete quality inspection system, conduct yellowing index tests on finished shoes regularly, and promptly discover and solve potential problems.


VI. Future development trends and prospects

With the advancement of technology and the continuous upgrading of consumer demand, the research and development of anti-yellowing agents of shoe materials is also developing towards a more environmentally friendly and efficient direction. In the future, we can expect breakthroughs in the following aspects:

  1. Green
    Develop new low-toxic and harmless anti-yellowing agents to reduce potential harm to the environment and human health.

  2. Multifunctional
    Combining anti-yellowing agents with other functional additives (such as antibacterial agents and anti-mold agents) gives shoe materials more added value.

  3. Intelligent
    Using nanotechnology to develop intelligent anti-yellowing agents, so that they can automatically adjust the protection effect according to environmental conditions.

In short, the anti-yellowing agent of shoe material has broad application prospects in the manufacturing of hiking shoes. Through continuous technological innovation and process optimization, we believe that future hiking shoes will be more durable and beautiful, providing users with a better wearing experience.

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Anti-yellowing agent for shoe material: a key technology to extend the service life of shoes

Shoe material anti-yellowing agent: a key technology to extend the service life of the shoes

Introduction

In daily life, we often encounter this situation: not long after wearing a brand new pair of shoes, the upper becomes dull and even ugly yellow spots appear. This not only affects the beauty, but also makes people feel very frustrated. So, what causes this phenomenon? How to solve it? The answer lies in a magical technology – anti-yellowing agent for shoe material.

The “culprit” of yellow change

Yellowing refers to the phenomenon that the material gradually loses its original color under external factors such as light, high temperature or chemical reactions and appears yellow. For shoes, yellowing mainly occurs in soles, uppers and linings, especially those made of polymer materials such as polyurethane (PU) or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). These materials themselves have excellent elasticity, wear resistance and comfort, but are also susceptible to oxidation, ultraviolet radiation and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), causing yellowing problems.

The effects of anti-yellowing agent

To deal with this problem, scientists have developed anti-yellowing agent for shoe material. It is a chemical additive specially used to prevent the yellowing of the shoe material. It can effectively inhibit the formation of free radicals, delay the aging process of the material, and keep the shoes as new as a long time. This article will introduce in detail the working principle, product parameters and application methods of shoe cotton anti-yellowing agent, and will conduct in-depth discussions based on relevant domestic and foreign research literature.


The working principle of shoe material anti-yellowing agent

To understand how anti-yellowing agents work, we need to first understand the mechanism of yellowing. Simply put, yellowing can be divided into the following three types:

  1. Photoyelination: Material degradation caused by ultraviolet rays.
  2. Heat-induced yellowing: Molecular chain breakage and recombination due to high temperature environment.
  3. Chemical yellowing: It is produced by the reaction of oxygen or other chemical substances in the air with the material.

In response to the above problems, anti-yellowing agents protect shoe materials through the following methods:

1. Free radical capture

Free radicals are the important “master behind the yellowing process”. When the shoe material is exposed to ultraviolet light, some bonds in its molecular structure are interrupted, forming unstable free radicals. These free radicals will further bind to other molecules, eventually causing the material to turn yellow or even become brittle. The antioxidant components in the anti-yellowing agent can quickly capture and neutralize these free radicals, preventing the occurrence of chain reactions.

For example, this is like a forest fire. If you extinguish sporadic flames in time, you can avoid the entire forestBurned. Likewise, anti-yellowing agents, like firefighters, quickly curb the spread of free radicals and protect the shoe material from damage.

2. UV absorption

Ultraviolet rays are the main cause of photoyellowing. Anti-yellowing agents contain special UV absorbers, which can form an invisible protective barrier on the surface of the material, converting harmful UV rays into heat and dissipating them instead of letting them act directly on the inside of the shoe material. In this way, even if the shoes are exposed to the sun for a long time, they can maintain their original color and texture.

For example, it is like installing heat-insulated glass on the house. Although the sun still shines in, its destructive power has been greatly weakened.

3. Chemical Stability

In addition to external factors, the chemical properties of the shoe material itself will also affect its anti-yellowing ability. For example, some materials may remain in production during incomplete reaction monomers or impurities, which may be slowly released during subsequent use, causing yellowing after contact with air. The stabilizing ingredients in the anti-yellowing agent can help immobilize these unstable molecules and reduce their negative effects on the shoe material.

Imagine it’s like adding a sealed cap to a volatile perfume to prevent the aroma from being lost prematurely. In a similar way, anti-yellowing agents lock in potential hidden dangers in the shoe material and extend the service life of the shoe.


Product parameters of shoe material anti-yellowing agent

Different anti-yellowing agents are suitable for different types of shoe materials according to their chemical composition and functional characteristics. The following is a comparison table of specific parameters of several common anti-yellowing agents:

parameter name Anti-yellowing agent A Anti-yellowing agent B Anti-yellowing agent C
Main ingredients Trumped amines Benzotriazoles Hydroxyanisole
Appearance White Powder Light yellow liquid Light yellow crystals
Add ratio 0.5%-1% 1%-2% 0.8%-1.5%
Large temperature resistance 200? 150? 180?
Photostability ?????? ????? ?????
Chemical Stability ?????? ????? ?????
Cost Medium Higher Lower

As can be seen from the table, each anti-yellowing agent has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. For example, although anti-yellowing agent B is relatively expensive, it has outstanding light stability and is very suitable for outdoor sports shoes that require long-term exposure to the sun; while anti-yellowing agent C is known for its lower cost and good chemical stability, and is more suitable for ordinary casual shoes.


Progress in domestic and foreign research

In recent years, with the continuous improvement of consumers’ requirements for shoe quality, the research and development of anti-yellowing agents for shoe materials has also made many important breakthroughs. The following are some research results worth paying attention to:

1. Domestic research trends

As one of the world’s largest shoemakers, China has invested a lot of resources in the field of anti-yellowing agents. For example, a scientific research team proposed a new nanocomposite anti-yellowing agent, whose core component is titanium dioxide (TiO?) particles. Research shows that this material not only effectively shields ultraviolet rays, but also promotes the self-cleaning effect of the shoe surface, significantly improving the durability of the shoes.

In addition, domestic companies are also actively exploring the application of environmentally friendly anti-yellowing agents. Traditional anti-yellowing agents often contain a certain amount of heavy metal ions, which are harmful to human health and the environment. Now, many manufacturers have successfully developed natural anti-yellowing agents based on plant extracts, which are both safe and efficient.

2. International research trends

In foreign countries, scientists pay more attention to the diversification of anti-yellowing agents. For example, a research institution in the United States has developed a composite material with antibacterial and anti-yellowing properties, which is particularly suitable for making medical shoes or functional sneakers. Experimental results show that this material can effectively delay the aging rate of shoe materials while inhibiting bacterial reproduction.

At the same time, some European universities are also trying to incorporate smart sensing technology into anti-yellowing agents. They designed a chip-type anti-yellowing system that can monitor the status of the shoe material in real time. Once the risk of yellowing is detected, the protection mechanism will be automatically activated, bringing users a more intelligent experience.


Application Case Analysis

In order to better explain the actual effect of shoe cotton anti-yellowing agent, let’s take a look at a few specific cases below.

Case 1: High-end business leather shoes

A well-known brand launched a business leather shoes that are treated with anti-yellowing agent. After a year of market testing, it was found that the appearance retention rate of shoes using anti-yellowing agents has increased by 40% compared to ordinary models.Household satisfaction has also increased significantly. Especially in the humid and hot environments in the south, this shoe performs well, with almost no signs of yellowing.

Case 2: Children’s Sports Shoes

Children’s sneakers are more likely to be troubled by yellowing due to frequent cleaning and exposure to the sun. A well-known sporting goods manufacturer has added a special formula anti-yellowing agent to its new children’s shoes. The results show that the color of the shoes is still as bright as before after multiple washing and sun exposure, which has won wide praise from parents.


Conclusion

Shoe material anti-yellowing agent, as an important technological innovation in the modern shoemaking industry, is gradually changing our lifestyle. Whether it is a young man who pursues fashion or a housewife who focuses on practicality, they can benefit a lot from it. Of course, there is still a lot of room for improvement in this technology. In the future, more interdisciplinary cooperation may be able to create more perfect and environmentally friendly solutions.

So, next time you choose shoes, you might as well pay more attention to its anti-yellowing performance! After all, who doesn’t want to have a pair of shoes that will always be like new?

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The secret of high-performance shoe materials: the mechanism of action of anti-yellowing agent for shoe materials

The secret of high-performance shoe materials: the mechanism of action of anti-yellowing agent for shoe materials

1. Introduction: Why do your shoes “get older”?

Did you notice that the upper of the newly purchased white sneakers gradually turns yellow after being exposed to the sun for a period of time? This phenomenon not only affects the beauty, but also makes people wonder if there is a problem with the quality of the material. In fact, this is not an isolated case, but a problem that many high-performance shoe materials generally face – the problem of yellowing.

Yellowing is a chemical change that usually occurs in materials containing organic matter. When these materials are exposed to ultraviolet, high temperatures or humid environments, the molecular structure changes, causing the color to go from flawless white to a frustrating yellow or brown. For consumers who pursue fashion and quality, yellowing is undoubtedly a taboo. For shoe manufacturers, solving this problem is the key to improving product competitiveness.

Luckily, scientists have found an effective way to delay or even prevent yellowing – this is the protagonist we are going to explore today: shoe material cotton anti-yellowing agent. Next, we will analyze the mechanism of action of anti-yellowing agents in depth and analyze their performance through specific parameters. At the same time, combining the research results of relevant domestic and foreign literature, we will help everyone better understand the importance of this technology and its practical application value.


2. The essence of yellowing: Interpretation from the molecular level

(I) What is yellowing?

Simply put, yellowing refers to the phenomenon that some materials undergo color changes due to external environmental factors (such as light, heat, oxygen, etc.). Specifically in the field of shoe materials, especially soles and upper materials with polyurethane (PU), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), etc. as the main components, the occurrence of yellowing is often closely related to the following reasons:

  1. Ultraviolet irradiation: UV rays have high energy and can destroy chemical bonds in the material and generate compounds with light absorption properties, thus making the material appear yellow.
  2. Oxidation reaction: The oxygen in the air reacts with the unsaturated bonds in the material to form carbonyl substances, which usually have a yellow hue.
  3. Thermal Aging: During processing, high temperatures may cause by-products to be produced inside the material, which may also cause yellowing.

(II) Chemical mechanism of yellowing

To understand the process of yellowing more intuitively, we can use a metaphor: imagine your shoe material is a house, and UV, oxygen and high temperatures are like intruders. If the house has no protective measures, the intruders will damage the walls and leave traces that are difficult to repair.

On the chemical level, yellowing mainly involves the following reaction paths:

  1. Free radical chain reaction:

    • When ultraviolet rays or heat act on the material, it may cause the molecular chain to break and free radicals.
    • These radicals further combine with oxygen to form peroxides or other unstable intermediates.
    • End, these intermediates are converted into chromogenic groups, such as carbonyl (C=O) or quinone structures.
  2. Photosensitization effect:

    • Some additives in the material, such as plasticizers or dyes, may absorb UV light and become photosensitive agents.
    • Photosensitizers transfer energy to surrounding molecules, accelerating their degradation process, thereby aggravating yellowing.
  3. Heat-induced decomposition:

    • Under high temperature conditions, some materials may undergo thermal cracking, releasing small molecular compounds.
    • These small molecule compounds may themselves be colored substances, or may react with other components to form colored products.

From the above analysis, it can be seen that yellowing is not a result of a single factor, but a product of the joint action of multiple complex chemical reactions. Therefore, in order to completely solve the problem of yellowing, targeted strategies must be adopted, and this is the core mission of anti-yellowing agents.


3. Definition and classification of anti-yellowing agents

(I) What is an anti-yellowing agent?

Anti-yellowing agent is a functional additive, mainly used to inhibit or slow down the yellowing of the material due to light, heat, oxygen and other factors. It can protect the material from the external environment by capturing free radicals, absorbing ultraviolet rays or stabilizing chemical bonds.

From the perspective of function, anti-yellowing agents can be divided into two categories: preventive type and repair type. The former aims to prevent yellowing from happening in advance, while the latter attempts to reverse the yellowing that has occurred. At present, most of the mainstream anti-yellowing agents on the market are preventive, because once the yellowing is completely formed, it often requires higher cost and technical difficulty to repair it.

(II) Classification of anti-yellowing agents

Depending on the chemical structure and mechanism of action, anti-yellowing agents can be subdivided into the following categories:

Category Chemical structure Main Function Common Application Scenarios
Ultraviolet absorber Benzotriazoles, benzophenones Absorb UV rays to prevent light degradation White sole, transparent upper
Free Radical Capture Trumped amines and phenols Catch free radicals and interrupt chain reaction Dark sole, high elastic material
Antioxidants Aromatic amines, sulfides Stop oxidation reaction and protect molecular chains Sports soles, outdoor shoe materials
Light Stabilizer Nylonamides Improve the material’s tolerance to light High-performance running shoes and hiking shoes

It should be noted that different types of anti-yellowing agents have their own advantages and disadvantages, and they usually need to be combined according to specific needs to achieve the best results.


IV. Mechanism of action of anti-yellowing agent

(I) UV absorber: wear “sun protection clothes” for the material

UV rays are one of the important reasons for yellowing, and the function of UV absorbers is to provide a protective barrier for the material like sunscreen. The main feature of this type of anti-yellowing agent is that it can efficiently absorb UV light within a specific wavelength range and convert it into harmless thermal energy and release it.

Working Principle

UV absorbers usually have a conjugated double bond structure, which allows them to strongly absorb the energy of UV. When UV rays hit the surface of the material, the absorbent preferentially absorbs these energy, avoiding its direct effect on the material molecules. Subsequently, the absorbent converts energy into thermal energy through a non-radiative transition, thereby achieving protection of the material.

Common types and characteristics

Type Features Application Scenario
Benzotriazoles High absorption efficiency and good stability White sole, light-colored upper
Benzophenone Low cost and wide application scope Ordinary sneakers, casual shoes
Salicylate Easy to disperse, not to migrate High-end sneakers, custom shoes

(Bi) Free radical capture agent: Cut off the “source” of yellowing

Free radicals are indispensable “accomplices” in the process of yellowing, and the function of free radical capture agents is to extinguish these “flames” in time. Such anti-yellowing agents usually have abundant active sites that can quickly bind to free radicals to form stable compounds, thereby terminating chain reactions.

Working Principle

The radical capture agent reacts with the radical by providing electrons or hydrogen atoms, causing it to become inactive. For example, after hindered amine anti-yellowing agents capture free radicals, they will generate nitrogen oxygen radicals, which are relatively stable and will not continue to trigger new reactions.

Common types and characteristics

Type Features Application Scenario
Trumped amines The effect lasts for high temperature environments Running shoes, basketball shoes
Phenols Moderate cost, suitable for large-scale production Daily sports shoes, children’s shoes
Thioesters It has special effects on vulcanized rubber Hiking shoes, ski boots

(III) Antioxidants: The “secret of longevity” of guardian materials

The main task of antioxidants is to prevent the material from aging due to oxidation reactions. They extend the service life of the material by interfering with all links of the oxidation reaction.

Working Principle

Antioxidants are usually divided into primary and secondary categories. Primary antioxidants (such as aromatic amines) directly react with peroxides by providing hydrogen atoms to reduce the formation of free radicals; secondary antioxidants (such as sulfides) decompose peroxides to reduce their destructive effects on the material.

Common types and characteristics

Type Features Application Scenario
Aromatic amines The effect is significant, but it is easy to migrate High-intensity training shoes
Sulphur Ethers Strong stability, not easy to evaporate Outdoor sports shoes
Phosphate Especially effective for hydrolytic sensitive materials Shoe materials in humid environments

(IV) Light stabilizer: Make the material “immunized” the harm of light

The light stabilizer works similar to a vaccine, by enhancing the material’s own resistance, allowing it to better cope with light invasion. Such anti-yellowing agents usually improve their tolerance to light by regulating the molecular structure of the material.

Working Principle

The light stabilizer changes its absorption spectral characteristics by forming a composite structure with material molecules, thereby reducing the destruction effect of light on it. In addition, light stabilizers can also promote the repair of damaged molecules through catalytic action and further extend the service life of the material.

Common types and characteristics

Type Features Application Scenario
Nylonamides Good stability, suitable for long-term use Wear-resistant soles, professional sports shoes
hydrazides Low cost, significant effect Mass Market Shoe Materials

5. Practical application cases of anti-yellowing agents

In order to better illustrate the effect of anti-yellowing agents, let’s take a look at several practical application cases.

(I) Anti-yellowing solution for a certain brand of sports shoes

A internationally renowned sports brand has adopted a composite anti-yellowing agent formula in its new running shoes, including benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbers and hindered amine radical capturers. Test results show that the formula increased the yellowing index by only 2% after 500 hours of ultraviolet irradiation of the sole, which was much lower than the control group without the anti-yellowing agent (the yellowing index increased by 15%).

(II) Improved weather resistance of outdoor hiking shoes

In response to the demand for outdoor hiking shoes, researchers have developed a composite formula containing antioxidants and light stabilizers. Experiments show that this formula significantly improves the weather resistance of the shoe material under extreme environmental conditions, and the sole maintains a good appearance and performance even after being used in high altitude areas for one year.


VI. Selection and optimization of anti-yellowing agents

Selecting a suitable anti-yellowing agent requires a comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, including material type, usage environment and cost budget. Here are a few key steps:

  1. Clarify the requirements: Determine the required anti-yellowing performance indicators based on the end use of the product.
  2. Filtering formulas: combine laboratory data and practical experience to select matchesType of anti-yellowing agent to match.
  3. Optimize process: Ensure that the anti-yellowing agent can be evenly dispersed in the material, and avoid excessive or low local concentrations.
  4. Verify the effect: Evaluate the actual effect of the anti-yellowing agent through accelerated aging tests and other methods.

7. Conclusion: Future prospects of anti-yellowing agents

With the advancement of technology and the continuous increase in consumer demand, the research and development of anti-yellowing agents is also constantly advancing. Future anti-yellowing agents are expected to have higher efficiency, lower cost and more environmentally friendly properties. For example, the application of nanotechnology may bring new anti-yellowing agents, which not only effectively prevent yellowing, but also impart other excellent properties to the material, such as antibacterial and anti-fouling.

In short, anti-yellowing agents, as an important part of high-performance shoes, are bringing more possibilities to our lives. Whether you are an athlete who loves sports or a trendsetter who pursues fashion, you can benefit from it. Let us look forward to the fact that in the near future, every pair of shoes will have eternal bright colors!

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