A SHOE THAT KEEPS YOUR FEET COOL
Graphene, also known as the "wonder material" composed of a one-atom-thick sheet of linked carbon atoms. The material has already been used in products such as helmets, microphones and light bulbs. Now it is found its way into a prototype show that helps keep your feet cool.
Among all the other desirable qualities, Graphene is very good at conducting heat.
With that in mind, a team of researchers from the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (ITT) teamed up with Italian shoe manufacturer Fadel to put graphene in the sole of a sandal. More specifically, they added a few graphene flakes to the polyurethane that ordinarily makes up the insole. The flakes were created via a process known as liquid phase exfoliation, which is said to produce large amounts of graphene at a relatively low price.
While the insole contains only about 1 percent graphene, that's still enough to improve its heat dissipation by a claimed 50 percent.
Although the ITT and Fadel collaboration was first announced last year, the shoe itself was recently showcased at the International Footwear Exhibition in Milan. Fadel has patented the technology, which is being marketed as Freshoes.
Hopefully, it'll also help those with stinky feet syndrome too!