Gas loss and durability of EVA foams used in running shoes

• Main Author: Verdejo, Raquel
• Published: University of Birmingham 2004
• Subjects: 668.493; T Technology (General)
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.402526

Ageing mechanisms affect the thermal properties and creep response of polymericfoams. This research analyses the effects of gas diffusion on the mechanical responseof polymeric foams subjected to periodic loads and studies their durability.A repeat impact machine was developed to analyse changes in the mechanical responseof ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer foams used in running shoes. The equipmentshowed some advantages compared to the standard method used in runningshoes and produced reproducible results. The softening of the material with thedistance run and the reduction in the cushioning properties are mainly due to theyielding and unyielding of the cellular structure and not to a change in the air content. Midsole deterioration in running shoes was measured in controlled running tests.These confirmed the deterioration of the midsole foam, with an increase of the peakplantar pressure and structural damage in the foam after a long run.The diffusion coefficients of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foams were measuredusing a microbalance where the pressure and the temperature were controlled. Theoreticalanalysis of gas diffusion in foams subjected to repeat impact was carried outand confirmed a negligible gas loss due to diffusion in foams under cyclic loads.