title: Compressive behavior after simulated service conditions of some foamed materials intended as orthotic shoe insoles.
abstract: The compressive characteristics of a group of foamed plastics and rubbers, suitable for use as orthotic shoe insoles, were assessed for any changes incurred as a result of exposure to a series of simulated service conditions. The service conditions considered in this study were heat (accelerated aging), sustained deflection (compression set), and cyclic loading. Since the stress/strain characteristics computed from the load/deformation curves were non-linear, it was necessary to develop a new procedure for comparing the relative compressive characteristics. The results from this study identified a group of preferred materials whose virgin compressive characteristics have been judged to be the most suitable, and which exhibited the least change following exposure to the three simulated service conditions.
mesh_terms: D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010969:Plastics; D012408:Rubber; D012775:Shoes; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
chemical_list: D010969:Plastics; D012408:Rubber