International Journal of Academic Research in Education and Review

Vol. 12(2), pp. 66-72, May 2024

ISSN: 2360-7866

https://doi.org/10.14662/ijarer2024130

 

Full Length Research

 

 

Determination of Tribology Parameters for the Production of High Quality Personal Protective Boots Used In Industrial Environments

 

1Idiegbe Gilbert, 2 Irerhobude Osas and 3Akporhonor Kevwe

 

1 Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara) 2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara) 3School of General studies, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara)

 

Accepted 27 May 2024

Abstract

Abstract: Background: This study investigates the tribological parameters essential for producing high-quality personal protective boots used in industrial environments in Nigeria. The focus is on evaluating the slip resistance and performance of six commonly used local footwear soling materials: solid vulcanized rubber (SR), synthetic thermoplastic rubber (TPR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and microcellular rubber (MCR). Methods: Various physical properties, including density, hardness, tensile strength, elongation at break, and abrasion resistance, were measured for each material. The coefficient of friction (COF) was assessed under different contaminant conditions (dry, wet, detergent, vegetable oil, and engine oil) and on different floor types (marble, ceramic, quarry, and wood). Additionally, the impact of tread width (5 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm) and orientation (vertical, horizontal, and diagonal) on slip resistance was analyzed. Results: Polyurethane (PU) consistently exhibited the highest COF values, demonstrating superior slip resistance across all conditions and floor types. For example, PU showed a COF of 0.90 under dry conditions and 0.70 under wet conditions, and a COF of 0.87 with diagonal tread orientation. Solid vulcanized rubber (SR) and microcellular rubber (MCR) also showed strong performance, with SR exhibiting a COF of 0.85 with a 15 mm tread width and 0.82 with diagonal tread orientation. The study highlighted significant variability in the physical properties and slip resistance of the materials, such as SR with a tensile strength of 12.5 N/mm² and PVC with an abrasion resistance of 200 mm³, emphasizing the importance of material selection and tread design. Conclusions: The findings underscore the critical role of material selection and tread design in enhancing the safety performance of industrial footwear. The study provides valuable insights for manufacturers to optimize safety boot designs and contribute to the development of improved PPE standards and legislation in Nigeria. Emphasizing locally sourced materials, the research supports the potential for developing cost-effective, high-quality safety boots that enhance worker safety while supporting local economies.

 

Key Words: Slip resistance, Coefficient of friction, Safety boots, Industrial footwear, Tribology, Tread design, Local materials, Nigeria.

Paper type: research