Abstract

In the process of tanning significant amount of solid, liquid and gaseous wastes are generated. The waste generated from the tanning industry then causes negative health effects on the environment which in turn leads to health issue of the local community. The present study then is focused on making of leather composites using solid leather waste, different plant fibers namely enset (Ensete ventricosum), hibiscus (Hibiscus cannabinus), jute (Corchorus trilocularis L), palm (Phoenix dactylifera) and sisal (Agave sisalana) and two polymer resins i.e., Resin Binder (RB) and Poly Urethane Binder (PUB) in various proportions. Composites containing leather fiber incorporated with hibiscus, sisal and palm fibers along with resin binder exhibited better tensile strength values than their respective controls. This shows the compatibility of the resin binder with plant fibers and leather fibers. Composites prepared using sisal fibers gave better tensile strength values compared to others prepared in this study.

SEM pictures of the products in this study showed composite nature. FTIR studies have shown the functional groups of collagen protein, cellulose and binders. In the DSC study, the composite sheets of jute (LF-JS), palm (LF-PS) and sisal (LF-SS) exhibited higher melting points than the control, however, enset (LF-ES) and hibiscus (LF-HS) samples showed lower melting temperature than their respective controls. Based on these results, all composite sheets that meet the set standard can be used for preparation of products such as light hand bags, false roofing coverage, mouse pads, key chains, wallets, components of furniture and other interior decorations.

Keywords: Leather; Binder; Plant; Fiber; Waste