Pages 481–484
Abstract
Research summary supplied by the authors
The present study investigates the development of sustainable outsole materials for eco-friendly footwear by replacing conventional petroleum-based materials with bio-derived alternatives derived from agro-waste, thereby reducing environmental impact. The work focused on formulating Bio-TPR outsoles using rice husk as a natural filler and castor oil as a bioplasticiser, thereby advancing waste-valorisation strategies that address both agricultural waste management and sustainable footwear manufacturing. The Bio-TPR outsole has been prepared by injection moulding and characterised, demonstrating mechanical, structural, and thermal properties comparable to those of standard TPR soles. The bioTPR soles showed improved hardness (shore A 61.5) and stable performance under accelerated ageing. The tensile strength was found to be 3.85 MPa, and strong slip resistance with a coefficient of friction of 0.4 at wet conditions. The abrasion resistance, density, finiteelement analysis, and thermogravimetric results also meet the standard norms. By addressing challenges such as waste valorisation, this study establishes the industrial feasibility of bio-based soles and highlights their potential to lower the use of synthetic materials and carbon emissions. The findings demonstrate that Bio-TPR soles represent a promising sustainable alternative that supports circular-economy principles and paves the way for the manufacture of environmentally friendly footwear soles.