FRICTIONAL BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS OF ABRASION-RESISTANT COMPOSITE INTERFACES FOR ENHANCED PERFORMANCE IN ATHLETIC FOOTWEAR

The performance and durability of sporting footwear are significantly influenced by the frictional behavior of materials, particularly abrasion-resistant composites, which requires understanding their interaction with various surfaces. The research investigates the performance of abrasion-resistant composite interfaces in dynamic settings to enhance the efficiency and longevity of athletic footwear. Several crucial phases were included in the method. Material selection included the use of abrasion-resistant composites, such as reinforced rubber and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), based on durability and wear resistance. A range of athletic surfaces, such as synthetic track, concrete, and grass, was chosen to simulate real-world situations for surface preparation. Friction testing was performed using a tribometer to assess the coefficient of friction (COF) between each surface with the composite materials, with testing undertaken at varying loads and speeds to imitate various sports actions. Wear analysis used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess the wear patterns on both the composite materials and the surfaces following testing. Finally, data analysis used Bonferroni correction and regression analysis to evaluate the link between load, speed, and frictional behavior, assisting in identifying critical performance trends across various conditions. Friction in composite materials varied significantly depending on the surface type and testing conditions. TPU composites produced the maximum COF on synthetic track surfaces, while reinforced rubber performed better on concrete tracks. Regression analysis indicated that friction ([Formula: see text]), load ([Formula: see text]), and speed ([Formula: see text]) had significant effects on performance ([Formula: see text]). Bonferroni-adjusted p-values verified significant differences between the synthetic track and concrete in load (0.030), speed (0.015), and friction (0.003). The findings highlight the relevance of surface-specific material optimization in athletic footwear. Frictional performance is intimately related to both material qualities and the type of sporting surface, emphasizing the importance of focused design in footwear technology.