Eco-design is a key element in facing the challenges posed by circular economy in the footwear sector. In this sense, the role played by adhesives in the product durability and the recycling of shoe components is crucial. Thus, the creation of reversible joints by modifying the adhesives used to join the different materials of a shoe can help recycle them once their useful life is over.
For these reasons, INESCOP, in collaboration with the Institute of Organic Synthesis of the University of Alicante, is working on developing sustainable syntheses towards polyurethane adhesives – one of the most used in the sector – with debonding-on-demand properties through the modification of their polymeric chain by introducing reversible Diels-Alder bonds. This approach reduces the adhesive strength through the application of a thermal stimulus, supporting the rupture of bonds, and thus, facilitating the separation of components for subsequent recycling.
Co-author(s): María Alejandra Moyano, Francisca Arán Aís, Elena Orgilés Calpena INESCOP. Footwear Technological Centre.03600 Elda, Alicante. Spain. Diego A. Alonso, Francisco José Sierra Molero Institute of Organic Synthesis (ISO), UNIVERSITY OF ALICANTE. Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n. San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante. Spain.