BASF and IQTEX help keep feet dry
Hamburg-based footwear technology company IQTEX has developed a new shoe system to protect wearers from getting their feet wet in bad weather. The firm has processed a super absorbing fleece from German chemicals company BASF into a ventilation element known as Vayu Verde.
“In contrast to conventional functional clothing, shoes made with Vayu Verde technology are not only breathable but, depending on the weather, can be as air-permeable as a cotton T-shirt or as watertight as rain boots,” says Michael Dehn, managing director of IQTEX.
The element functions like a flower that closes up in the rain and re-opens when it is dry. When the material gets wet, the fleece immediately expands and self-seals the system. It even stays watertight under high pressure. Then, as soon as the material integrated into the sole of the shoe dries, it regains its breathability within minutes and the wearer’s feet are kept a cool and comfortable.
The fleece in Vayu Verde contains super absorbent polymers and is marketed by BASF as Luquafleece. It can absorb large amounts of aqueous liquids and, because of its reversible moisture binding system, it is capable of absorbing and releasing large amounts of moisture and humidity. It is already being used for office chairs and protective clothing.
BASF will present Luquafleece and products made with the material at nonwovens exhibition INDEX from April 15-18 in Geneva.
The first shoes using the technology are to be launched this year. IQTEX has already developed the first prototypes with partners including safety shoe producer Baak and the Deichmann group. It can also be used to manufacture jackets, gloves, tents, safety helmets, textiles and sports accessories as well as in electronic devices or medical products.
