小伙伴们都开学了吧，回到熟悉的学校，最让你感到轻松愉快的是什么呢？绿草如茵的操场？凉爽整洁的训练场？还是弹性十足的塑胶跑道？当你脚踩着各式各样的运动鞋，穿上不同材质的运动衣，享受运动带来的酸爽和快感时，你是否想过这些感受的背后，化学是如何大展拳脚、成就了一个个运动奇迹的？

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Have all our buddies started school again? Returning to the familiar school, what makes you feel relaxed and happy the most? The lush green playground? The cool and tidy training ground? Or the resilient rubber running track? As you step on various sports shoes and put on sports clothes made of different materials, enjoying the refreshing and exhilarating feeling brought by sports, have you ever thought about how chemistry works behind these sensations, making possible one sports miracle after another?

无论什么运动，都离不开一双舒适合脚的鞋，一套能让你运动自如的运动衣。

当你选择运动鞋的时候，除了款式时尚，最看重的是什么？是“脚感”。简单的说，就是你得首先考虑脚的感受。在找寻影响“脚感”的主要原因之前，让我们先看看运动鞋的构造。  

通常一双运动鞋分为三个部分：鞋面(Upper)，中底(Midsole)，大底(Outsole)。中底的作用是提供缓冲和回弹，吸收运动中产生的冲击力，提供保护以及温和舒适的脚感。中底的材料和相应的发泡技术，也是影响脚感的核心要素。

No matter what sport you engage in, comfortable shoes and a set of sportswear that allows you to move freely are indispensable. When you choose sports shoes, aside from stylish designs, what matters most is "comfort." In simple terms, you must prioritize how your feet feel. Before we delve into the primary factors that affect this "comfort," let's first take a look at the construction of sports shoes.

Typically, a pair of sports shoes consists of three main parts: the upper, midsole, and outsole. The midsole's role is to provide cushioning and rebound, absorbing the impact forces generated during physical activity, offering protection, and ensuring a gentle and comfortable feel for your feet. The material of the midsole and the corresponding foam technology are also crucial elements that influence the comfort of your feet.

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常见的运动跑鞋中底材料有EVA、TPU、TPE等，让我们看看这些化学材料是如何影响你的脚感的？你觉得自己的运动鞋用的是什么材料呢？看完可以对号入座哦。

EVA全称乙烯-醋酸乙烯共聚物，EVA（ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer），是较早使用的中底材料。它的优点是脚感柔软，耐用，轻便，成本低；但缺点也很突出，就是寿命短，使用一段时间后，脚感变硬，有可能还会有褶皱。这下你知道为什么你的鞋看起来还很新，没什么磨损，但已经没办法穿着锻炼了，因为太硬，就是因为中底材料使用了EVA啊。

Common materials used in the midsoles of sports running shoes include EVA, TPU, TPE, and others. Let's take a look at how these chemical materials can affect the feel for your feet. Do you know which material your sports shoes are made of? After reading, you can identify it.

EVA, which stands for Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate copolymer, is one of the earlier midsole materials used. Its advantages include a soft feel, durability, lightweight nature, and low cost. However, it has significant drawbacks as well. One notable drawback is its relatively short lifespan. After a period of use, the cushioning properties can diminish, resulting in a harder feel, and wrinkles may develop. So, if you've wondered why your shoes still look new with little wear and tear but have become uncomfortable to wear during workouts, it's likely because the midsole material is EVA.

TPU全称热塑性聚氨酯弹性体橡胶(Thermoplastic polyurethanes)。2013年阿迪达斯首次推出基于TPU为中底材质的鞋款，在整个鞋材领域引起了轰动。它的优点是脚感柔软，减震性好，回弹能力也比EVA强；缺点是如果发泡程度不够，鞋就会重。这下你知道，为什么有些运动鞋看起来不错，但是掂一掂，就沉得让你不想上脚了吧。也是因为TPU的这个缺点，后期这个材料大多用于休闲鞋上。

TPE全称热塑性弹性体，又称人造橡胶或合成橡胶。TPE虽然柔软度好、耐用性强，但由于整体材料回弹性有局限，经常会跟其他材料混合发泡，弥补它本身回弹不足的缺点，最常见的就是跟TPE和EVA 混合发泡。

在TPE的基础上，又有了进阶版的TPEE,全程热塑性聚酯弹性体，简称聚酯橡胶。TPEE兼具了橡胶的优良弹性和热塑性塑料的易加工性，软硬度可以随意调整。但同样有回弹性能不佳的缺点。

TPU, which stands for Thermoplastic Polyurethane elastomer, is a type of rubber material. Adidas introduced shoes with TPU midsoles in 2013, causing quite a sensation in the footwear industry. Its advantages include a soft feel, excellent shock absorption, and better rebound compared to EVA. However, a drawback is that if it is not properly foamed, the shoes can be heavy. So, now you understand why some sports shoes may look good but feel too heavy when you pick them up, and it's because of this drawback of TPU. As a result, this material is often used in leisure or casual shoes.

TPE, or Thermoplastic Elastomer, also known as synthetic rubber, is soft and durable. However, due to limitations in its overall elasticity, it is often mixed with other materials and foamed to compensate for its lack of rebound. The most common combination is with TPE and EVA foam.

Building upon TPE, there is an advanced version called TPEE, which stands for Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer, often referred to as polyester rubber. TPEE combines the excellent elasticity of rubber with the ease of processing found in thermoplastic plastics. It allows for the flexibility to adjust the softness or hardness as needed. However, it shares the drawback of limited rebound capability, similar to TPE.

除了以上中底的常用材质，随着材料化学的发展，人们通过不同材料的配比，又有了PEBA(嵌段聚醚酰胺树脂)这种介乎热塑性弹性体和橡胶体之间的物质，还有更小众的P4U/D3O,这是一种介于固态和液态之间的非牛顿流体，让你在步行时，由于材料分子的相互分离，而感觉像是光脚踩在海绵上。感兴趣的话，你可以去市面上找找这种材质的运动鞋哦，先提醒一下，不容易找哦。

由于法规并没有要求生产厂家明确标注中底的材料，所以，其实我们日常并不能直观了解到这些信息，因此关于中底材料的判断，我们只能一靠价格（太便宜的基本都是EVA材质，穿不了多久就会硬），二靠重量（觉得太沉的，基本是TPU的，虽然脚感不错，但如果对轻便要求高，也不能选），三靠经验（除非特别在意鞋的款式，否则我非常建议你固定品牌，固定价位，选择自己已经穿过的、脚感好、耐用性高的品牌和鞋款）。

In addition to the commonly used midsole materials mentioned earlier, with advancements in material chemistry, there are other materials like PEBA (Polyether Block Amide Resin), which falls between thermoplastic elastomers and rubber in terms of properties. There are also more niche materials like P4U/D3O, which is a substance between solid and liquid, known as a non-Newtonian fluid. When walking, the molecules in this material separate, making it feel like you're walking on a sponge. If you're interested, you can try to find sports shoes made from these materials on the market, but please be aware that they might not be easy to come by.

Because regulations don't require manufacturers to explicitly label the midsole materials, it can be challenging to intuitively discern this information in our daily lives. Therefore, when it comes to judging midsole materials, we often rely on a few factors:

Price: Very inexpensive shoes are often made with EVA material, which tends to harden quickly with use.

Weight: Shoes that feel excessively heavy might be made with TPU. While they offer good cushioning, they may not be suitable for those who prioritize lightweight shoes.

Experience: Unless you're particularly concerned with shoe style, it's a good idea to stick with a brand and model that you've already worn, found comfortable, and durable.

These factors can help you make informed decisions about the midsole material when shopping for sports shoes.

穿上一双“称脚”的运动鞋后，再来一套合适的运动衣，我们就能上场了。但是运动衣怎么才叫“合适”？我们一起来看看吧！最常见的运动衣材质有四种，分别是聚酯纤维、锦纶、氨纶和棉。

聚酯纤维（Polyester）也称为涤纶，是一种人工合成纤维，目前应用最广，因为它耐皱免烫、坚固、耐光、耐酸碱、耐霉菌虫蛀、还能绝缘，但因为吸湿性差、透气性不良，所以经常会与其他面料做成混纺，达到扬长避短的效果，是高尔夫球服和运动外套的常见面料。

锦纶（Nylon）就是尼龙，最大优点是结实耐磨，密度小，织物轻，弹性好。锦纶的高延伸度可以让它耐冲击耐磨损性，但是锦纶的耐日光性不好，如果是夏天长时间在阳光直射的环境下会容易变色，适合拿来当练习服在室内穿。

氨纶（Spandex）延伸性极高，因此也被称为弹性纤维，最大能拉伸5到8倍，它耐化学降解性能更强，也能够耐汗耐盐，摸起来手感平滑，但是吸湿性有点差，所以常制成复合纱，很适合做紧身衣，无压迫感，对弹力要求较高的小伙伴可以选择有氨纶成分的，瑜伽服都是氨纶材质哦。

棉质（Cotton），顾名思义就是棉花制成的材料，不属于化学材料，这类植物纤维应用非常普遍，舒适度很高，是很多贴身衣物的首选，具备良好的吸湿性，同时棉纤维是热的不良导体，所以保温性也不错。缺点是易皱、易缩水和易变形，适合天气稍冷的时候作为内衣穿。

​Once you have a pair of "well-fitting" sports shoes, the next step is to choose appropriate sportswear. But what makes sportswear "appropriate"? Let's take a look together. The most common materials for sportswear include polyester, nylon, spandex, and cotton.

Polyester: Also known as "Dacron," polyester is a synthetic fiber widely used due to its resistance to wrinkles, durability, resistance to light, acids, and alkalis, as well as its resistance to mold and insects. However, it has poor moisture absorption and breathability. Therefore, it is often blended with other fabrics to balance its pros and cons. Polyester is commonly used for golf shirts and sport jackets.

Nylon: Nylon, known for its strength, abrasion resistance, low density, and elasticity, is another popular material. Its high elongation makes it resistant to impacts and wear. However, nylon is not great when it comes to UV resistance and may discolor if exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. It's suitable for indoor practice wear.

Spandex: Spandex, also known as elastane, is extremely stretchy, earning it the title of "elastic fiber." It can stretch up to 5 to 8 times its original length. Spandex is highly resistant to chemical degradation and can endure sweat and salt. It feels smooth to the touch but has lower moisture absorption, often used in combination with other yarns. It's ideal for form-fitting clothing, providing excellent elasticity. Many yoga outfits are made of spandex material.

Cotton: Cotton, made from natural cotton fibers, is a common choice for comfort and high moisture absorption. It's used for many close-fitting garments. Cotton fibers are poor conductors of heat, so they provide good insulation. However, cotton has some drawbacks: it wrinkles easily, can shrink, and may deform. It's best for slightly cooler weather when used as innerwear.

Choosing the right sportswear material depends on your activity, climate, and personal preferences. Each material has its unique advantages and disadvantages, so consider these factors when selecting sportswear for your athletic endeavors.

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除了运动鞋和运动衣，运动场上活跃的化学元素还有很多，比如被称为“化学大夫”的氯乙烷，将氯乙烷喷在伤处，快速汽化氯乙烷液体，吸收大量的热量，使得皮肤快速冷冻，使皮下毛细血管收缩从而进行止血、止痛；由聚丙烯、聚乙烯为主要成分制作的“抗拉伸草皮”，铺在足球场上，能够在更好的保护球场的同时，给运动员们带来更加舒适的运动体验；以聚氨酯、硅橡胶和EPDM橡胶颗粒，因为弹性好、耐摩擦、抗氧化、耐高低温等特点，成为了“塑胶跑道”主要成分。

你还想知道哪些运动场上的化学活跃分子？欢迎给我留言，我们一起探讨哦！

n addition to sports shoes and sportswear, there are many active chemical elements in the world of sports. For example, there's a substance known as the "chemical doctor," chloroethane. Chloroethane is sprayed onto injuries, and it rapidly vaporizes, absorbing a significant amount of heat. This causes rapid freezing of the skin, leading to the constriction of subcutaneous capillaries, thereby promoting blood clotting and pain relief.

There's also the "anti-stretch turf," primarily made of polypropylene and polyethylene, which is laid on soccer fields. It not only provides better protection for the field but also offers a more comfortable experience for athletes.

Materials like polyurethane, silicone rubber, and EPDM rubber granules are used in "plastic tracks" due to their excellent elasticity, friction resistance, oxidation resistance, and tolerance to extreme temperatures.

If you'd like to know more about chemical elements in sports or have any other questions, feel free to leave a message. Let's explore together!

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