Clay/polymer nanocomposites as filler materials for leather

In the present study organoclay based acrylic polymer nanocomposites were prepared via emulsion polymerization and used as filling agent for leather. The main objective of the study is to use inexpensive clay for preparation of synthetic tanning agent (syntan) for leather processing. Prepared clay/polymer nanocomposites consisting of different weight ratios of organoclay were characterized for morphological and mechanical strength properties. The results showed that surface roughness and mechanical strength of the films increased with increasing concentration of organoclay. The particle size and zeta potential analysis reveal that the clay/polymer nanocomposites (CPNs) were electrostatically stable with particle size varying between 62 and 295 nm. The leathers treated with experimental clay-polymer nanocomposite incorporated with 5 wt% clay exhibited smooth fibrillar arrangement suggesting excellent dispersion and filling properties, thus opening new avenues for efficient leather processing. The experimental leathers also exhibited better tensile strength of 28 ± 0.5 compared to control 26 ± 0.5 N/mm2 and organoleptic properties such as fullness, belly filling and softness were also improved. Thus, the preparation and application of the syntan paves a way to the sustainable approach for making leather filling agent, which is cost-effective, abundantly available and eco-friendly.