Fabrication and Characterization of Regenerated Leather Using Chrome Shavings as Raw Materials

Regenerated leather billet (semi-finished product) was preparedvia hot pressing with chrome shaving and environment-friendlypolymer waterborne polyurethanes (WPU) as the materials. Theinf luence of WPU/chrome shaving ratios (w/w) on theperformance of the billet was investigated by mechanicalproperty test, dynamic thermal mechanical analysis,thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetryand field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore,the ability of heat storage and temperature regulation wasendowed for the regenerated leather by the addition of paraffinmicrocapsules. The results showed that a strong interfaceinteraction could be achieved for the regenerated leather billet,which could be due to the formation of hydrogen bonds and theentanglement between WPU and leather shavings. In this way,WPU/leather shaving composites with favorable mechanicalproperties, thermal stability, ability of heat storage andtemperature regulation were obtained.