Abstract:

In this paper, the authors focused on the examination of the possibility of polymer material applications as upper footwear elements in order to improve the functional properties, which are transposed to the hygienic comfort conditions. The set of materials used in this research were two – layered packages stitched together around the edges. Cotton material formed the outer layer, and polymer fabrics were used as the inner layer. Hygienic properties were identified with the use of water vapour permeability and water vapour absorption characteristics, while the thermal conductivity property was described on the basis of research done with an Alambeta device. Statistical analysis with the use of the t-Student test was conducted and showed that the proposition of material substitution undertaken was able to improve the hygienic characteristics of material packages, which can be implemented in manufacturing practice as upper materials with higher functional properties.