A composition contains a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU-1), obtained or obtainable by reaction of an isocyanate composition (IZ) containing MDI with a polyol composition (PZ), and hollow glass microspheres. The polyol composition (PZ) contains at least one polyol (P1) selected from polytetrahydrofurans having an average molecular weight Mn in the range from 900 to 2,000 g/mol. The polyol composition (PZ) also contains a chain extender (KV1), selected from 1,2-ethandiol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol and 1,6-hexanediol. Ski shoes, preferably ski boots, particularly preferably the outer shell of a ski boot, can be based on such a thermoplastic polyurethane. Corresponding processes can be used for producing ski shoes.

A composition contains a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU-1), obtained or obtainable by reaction of an isocyanate composition (IZ) containing MDI with a polyol composition (PZ), and hollow glass microspheres. The polyol composition (PZ) contains at least one polyol (P1) selected from polytetrahydrofurans having an average molecular weight Mn in the range from 900 to 2,000 g/mol. The polyol composition (PZ) also contains a chain extender (KV1), selected from 1,2-ethandiol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol and 1,6-hexanediol. Ski shoes, preferably ski boots, particularly preferably the outer shell of a ski boot, can be based on such a thermoplastic polyurethane. Corresponding processes can be used for producing ski shoes.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide for composite structures including a bonding layer that adheres a substrate (e.g., including a polymeric composition such as rubber) to a material (e.g., including a polymer such as polyurethane). The adhesion of the substrate to the material through the bonding layer can include chemical bonds such as, but not limited to, siloxane linkages, silanol linkages, silyl linkages, or any combination thereof in the bonding layer.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide for composite structures including a bonding layer that adheres a substrate (e.g., including a polymeric composition such as rubber) to a material (e.g., including a polymer such as polyurethane). The adhesion of the substrate to the material through the bonding layer can include chemical bonds such as, but not limited to, siloxane linkages, silanol linkages, silyl linkages, or any combination thereof in the bonding layer.

A molded article (M) contains a molded article (M-1) made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-1) and a foamed pellet material made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-2). The molded article (M-1) has a softening temperature TS (TPE-1) that deviates by no more than 25° C. from the processing temperature TP (TPE-2) of the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-2). The softening temperature is determined by TMA in accordance with ISO 11359-3:2014. A process can be used for producing the molded article. The molded article can be used for application in the sports, industry, medicine, sports medicine, safety, automotive and consumer goods field, especially as a shoe sole, a part of a shoe sole, a bicycle saddle, a cushioning, a mattress, an underlay, a grip, a protective film, or a component in automobile interiors and exteriors.

Foamed articles including a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric material, methods of making the articles, and methods for manufacturing articles of footwear, apparel, and athletic equipment incorporating the articles are provided. One exemplary method for making a foamed article comprises placing an article comprising a foamable fibrous element and carbon dioxide in a vessel, the foamable fibrous element comprising a plurality of filaments, fibers, and/or yarns, wherein each member of the plurality comprises a foamable material; maintaining the vessel at a first pressure and first temperature at which the carbon dioxide is a liquid and carbon dioxide is soluble in the foamable material; optionally exposing the infused article to a second temperature and second pressure; and subjecting the article to a third pressure and third temperature at which the infused carbon dioxide phase transitions to a gas, thereby expanding the foamable material into a foamed material and forming the foamed article.

One or more aspects of the present disclosure provide articles of manufacture and components of articles that incorporate an optical element that imparts a structural color to the component or the article. The component comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material, and can include or be made to have a textured surface.

One or more aspects of the present disclosure provide articles of manufacture and components of articles that incorporate an optical element that imparts a structural color to the component or the article. The component comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material, and can include or be made to have a textured surface.

A process for injection molded microcellular foaming various flexible foam compositions from biodegradable and industrially compostable bio-derived thermoplastic resins for use in, for example, footwear components, seating components, protective gear components, and watersport accessories wherein a process of manufacturing includes the steps of: producing a suitable thermoplastic biopolymer or biopolymer blend; injection molding the thermoplastic biopolymer or biopolymer blend into a suitable mold shape with inert nitrogen gas; controlling the polymer melt, pressure, temperature, and time such that a desirable flexible foam is formed; and utilizing gas counterpressure in the injection molding process to ensure the optimal foam structure with the least amount of cosmetic defects and little to no plastic skin on the outside of the foamed structure.

Films, fibers, filaments, yarns and textiles including thermoplastic elastomeric compositions are described, as are methods of making the films, fibers, filaments, yarns and textiles. These films, fibers, filaments, yarns and textiles can be used to make articles of apparel, footwear, and sporting equipment. When thermoformed, the thermoplastic elastomeric compositions can impart abrasion resistance, traction, and other advantageous properties to the articles. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.