Latest Steel Blue Innovation Update
Steel Blue in conjunction with advanced materials company, First Graphene Limited (FGR), have tested prototype sets of safety boots that incorporate PureGRAPH®10.
The prototype boots have been manufactured using First Graphene’s PureGRAPH® graphene powder. Unlike competing formulations, this is available in high production volumes with non-aggregated, uniform sized graphene nanoplatelets; this ensures that it disperses evenly in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) masterbatches. The prototype boots incorporate PureGRAPH®-infused TPU soles and polyurethane foam innersoles and have undergone extensive laboratory testing in accredited laboratories.
Tests were conducted at Viclab Pty Ltd, one of Australia’s leading NATA accredited and independent mechanical testing services.
Steel Blue are continuing to test different applications and processes, with ongoing measuring of outcomes by Viclab Pty Ltd. The prototype boots are currently being wear trialled in a variety of working environments.
The new boot from Steel Blue incorporates innovative technology with new design solutions to provide significant improvements to safety footwear protection and comfort.
Steel Blue and First Graphene recently held a fruitful project review meeting at the Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre in Manchester, where the test results and next testing steps were analysed.
Chief Technology Officer, Dr Andy Goodwin (pictured above right), will present at the Polymers in Footwear conference and exhibition in Berlin on 19th and 20th November 2019. The presentation with be made jointly with Steel Blue’s Head of Innovation, Neil Wright (pictured above left). First Graphene Ltd and Steel Blue will explain how PureGRAPH® has enabled the development of a range of unique boot component technologies and user benefits that have the potential to revolutionise the safety boot market.
