High Performance Polymeric Materials for Sport Equipment, Functional Clothing and Footwear: Interactions of Materials, Human Body and Environment in Terms of Mechanical, Thermal and Ergonomic Properties

The study of the influence on mechanical, thermal and ergonomic properties of advanced polymeric materials used to produce outdoors gear and footwear has been the topic of the present PhD thesis. The study has addressed several aspects of ergonomics, safety and mechanical properties of sport equipment: - The evaluation of thermo-physiological comfort of soft-shell back protectors, investigating how design and materials can affect moisture management and heat loss. Heat retention has been identified using infrared thermography. Testers have answered a questionnaire to take into account their subjective sensations. - The effect of liners used in ski boots. Three different ski boot liners have been tested to evaluate the insulating behaviour and the moisture management capability of the materials used. Tests have been conducted in climatic chamber and then repeated in real skiing conditions. Scanning Electron Microscopy has been used to evaluate the effect of cells morphology on thermal insulation. - The effect of different materials used for the production of thermo-formable ski boots have been analysed in order to determine their performance in the process used to adapt the shape of ski boots to the skier’s foot morphology. The effect of foot compression on the thermal comfort has also been evaluated. - The effect of glass fibre/rubber composites on the grip on icy surfaces. The study has been conducted analysing the friction of a ski boot sole containing an insert made of composite material and comparing the results with those obtained using rubber and a thermoplastic elastomer. Scanning Electron Microscopy has been used to perform the morphological analysis of the composite. - Thermal comfort of trekking shoes has been evaluated in climatic chamber using wireless temperature and relative humidity sensors embedded in the midsole. Evaluation of heat retention through the sole and the upper has been performed using thermal imaging.