Microtopographic Inspection of Thermoplastic Rubber Shoe’s Sole: The Influence of Surface Roughness on Sole to Leather Gluing

Abstract

<p>In Portugal quality shoe’s industry has a major economical importance. The strength and quality of the gluing of the sole to leather are of major importance in the process of making a high quality shoe. This pasting process is standardized for different kinds of sole/leather combinations. However even if proceeding carefully, strictly by the rules, problems due happen and specially as new kinds of sole’s materials and leather’ types are introduced in the production lines. A careful physical characterization of the gluing process as well as all items intervening is again necessary.</p>