Biodegradability Study of Footwear Soling Materials in Simulated Compost Environment

Abstract

Aim of the present study is to investigate the biodegradability and decomposing properties of footwear soling materials by standard biodegradability test method. Biodegradability tests were performed by aerobic exposure of the selected six soling materials to the soil matrix and measuring the degradation and decomposition occurred with time. All soling materials were characterized for physical and physicochemical properties such as weight loss, hardness, density, tensile strength, abrasion resistance, thermal and morphological properties before and after exposing to the simulated compost environment.  In the present study, the end-of-life nature of footwear soling materials currently used by the footwear industries are explored, which will further emphasize the importance of development and use of biodegradable materials in the footwear manufacturing.