MECHANICAL EVALUATION OF A COMPOSITE OVERSHOE PROTECTOR

Equipments named as "safety shoes" are used against occupational accidents. These usually involve toe caps, made of steel or metal alloys, which are placed at the front part, in order to protect the toes. Within this study, a polymeric composite toe cap reinforced with technical textiles was developed. Additionally, a prototype of an "overshoe protector" having also a technical textile reinforced polymeric composite upper (vamp) part was entirely manufactured. The prototype was designed to wear over casual shoes. This way, it can be used easily during work or visits. Protective toe impact resistance test was conducted for the composite toecap. Puncture resistance test was performed for the composite upper part.