Study of the effect of treatment with non-equilibrium low-temperature plasma on the hygienic properties of lining leathers for shoe with genuine leather upper

Abstract

the shoe grade is determined by the quality of the materials that make up the product package. Natural lining leathers for shoe with genuine leather upper should differ primarily by high moisture and vapor exchange properties to ensure an optimal microclimate of the inside of the shoe space. In the paper the application possibility of treatment of lining leathers for shoe with genuine leather upper with non-equilibrium low-temperature plasma to obtain a material with improved hygienic characteristics is justified. Because the operating conditions of lining materials for shoe with genuine leather upper are more determined by the process of contact with the surface of the foot than by environmental effect. Thus, the quality of lining materials for shoe with genuine leather upper is determined primarily by compliance with hygienic requirements, among which vapor and air permeability, hygroscopicity; resistance to sweat. In the study it was revealed that because of the treatment with NLTP HFC discharge of pigskin leathers, there is an increase in the parameter values of hygroscopicity by 34%, moisture-yielding capacity by 36%, vapor permeability by 38%, air permeability by 27%, the capacity to absorb sweat vapor by 33% and the capacity to exude sweat vapor by 42%. Consequently, the treatment with NLTP HFC discharge of pigskin leathers for shoe lining with genuine leather upper makes it possible to improve their quality by sequencing their structure, which in turn acts to increase the efficiency and intensity of moisture interchange processes between the material and the environment of the inside of the shoe space, increases the comfort of the latter and prevents potential adverse effect on human well-being.