Category: Articles
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TPU: Revolutionizing Comfort, Durability, and Performance
Thermoplastic Polyurethane, or TPU, is a highly versatile material belonging to the polyurethane plastics family. It’s an elastomer, meaning it has the elasticity of rubber and the durability of plastic. TPU is a block copolymer, consisting of both soft and hard segments. The hard segments are typically made of diisocyanate and chain extenders, providing stiffness…
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Rubber in Footwear: From Ancient Innovation to Modern Shoes
Long before the modern shoe industry existed, the civilizations of Mesoamerica—including the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec—were pioneers in the use of rubber. While the Maya and Aztecs are famously known for crafting bouncy rubber balls used in ceremonial games, they also developed innovative methods of applying rubber to footwear. Unlike leather or plant-based sandals, rubber-soled…