Processing and characterization of waste leather based polycaprolactone biocomposites

Abstract

Waste leather buff (WLB) filled polycaprolactone (PCL) composites were prepared by twin‐screw extrusion varying the WLB content from 2% to 40%. These composites were extensively characterized by several techniques in order to establish micro and macroscopic properties. Addition of WLB resulted in improvement of tensile modulus of neat PCL and reduction in percentage crystallinity of PCL matrix was observed with increase in WLB content. Interfacial adhesion and dispersion of WLB on PCL matrix was investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope. Percentage of water uptake increased with increase in concentration of WLB in the composite. These biodegradable composites could be used to develop low cost materials suitable for applications in footwear industry, for making bags, suitcases, etc., eliminating the environmental issues arising from WLB generated from tanneries in leather industry. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2889–2897, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers

Leather Waste to Enhance Mechanical Performance of High-Density Polyethylene

“…The main compound in BF was found to be collagen protein, as expected. Considering the previously reported values by several authors [ 8 , 17 , 34 ] for ash, protein, nitrogen, chromium oxide content and pH values within BF, the values measured in our study were well within the limits, except the content of moisture and fatty substance. In our work the fatty substance rate (7.9%) in BF was found to be significantly higher than the previously published value, which was only reported by Reference [ 34 ] as 1.97%, this might have some effect on the compatibility between HDPE and BF.…”

“…Some of these studies use chrome tanned leather wastes in the form of chromium shavings, which require multistage milling or grinding processes to prepare powder prior to its use [ 7 ]. Other researchers use BF without any additional or prior treatment [ 8 ]. Most of the papers refer to chromium shavings as fillers for different types of polymers (like natural fibers [ 9 ], newspaper fibers [ 10 ], cellulose [ 11 ], poly vinyl alcohol [ 10 ], polyvinylpyrrolidone [ 12 ], polyurethane [ 13 ], rubber [ 14 ], etc.)…”

“…and fewer refer to BF. In the case of BF, its use together with rubber [ 15 , 16 ], polylactic acid [ 17 ], polycaprolactone [ 8 ], polystyrene [ 18 ] or epoxy-polymers [ 19 ] is described, usually to prepare low cost leather like materials suitable as footwear, clothing or construction.…”

Composites Produced from Natural Rubber and Chrome-Tanned Leather Wastes: Evaluation of their In Vitro Toxicological Effects for Application in Footwear and Textile Industries

“…This alternative is interesting because it could transform waste into valuable resources through proper waste management [4]. Several studies have investigated different types of recycling to incorporate the LW into various materials, such as composites with potential applications in the textile and footwear industry [5][6][7]. The idea of recycling LW through its incorporation into new materials and products is suitable, as giving economic value to the waste also contributes to environmental quality and sustainable development and creates the possibility of reusing this waste, which is a major environmental problem.…”

Flax fibers reinforced polycaprolactone modified by triallyl isocyanurate and electron radiation

“…This can be achieved by radiation‐induced crosslinking of PCL . Another more practical approach to improve PCL mechanical properties is application of various types of natural fillers like starch , wheat bran , rice husk , or waste leather . PCL was also melt‐compounded with natural fibers like sisal , ramie and borassus , fruit bunch , or cellulose .…”