Abstract:

The paper presents physico-mechanical and hygienic parameters testing results of fabrics manufactured from bamboo cellulose fibres (100%) and their combination with cotton fibres (50/50%), as well as treated with: anti-pilling finish, anti-pilling and anti-shrinking finish, and dirt-repellent finish. They were evaluated on implementation in the footwear industry, comparing the results with the requirements for textile products intended for the lining/insole of children’s footwear and that of footwear for people with sensitive feet. The fabrics selected were also tested for microbiological resistance, and technological and functional tests of footwear manufactured with these fabrics were performed. It was assumed that the new range of fabrics would improve the physiological-hygienic comfort of the above-mentioned footwear. In laboratory tests, not all fabrics met the requirements, however their processing capabilities were positively assessed for the injection shoe assembly system applied. Promising results were also achieved by the footwear in the preliminary functional tests, for which fabrics made of cellulose bamboo fibres without any finishes were applied. Their usability was confirmed, i.e. resistance to abrasion and dirt, as well as the physiological-hygienic comfort of the footwear tested.