Preparation and Characteristics of Graphene-based Polymeric Leather Fatliquor

Although the research of leather chemicals has experienced considerable advances, it remains imperative and challenging to develop functional ones; especially functionalized fatliquors or re-tanning agents. In consideration with the unique structure and properties, graphene oxide (GO) has been reported as a potential alternative to ameliorate the performance of leather. However, one of the intractable handicaps is how to make graphene penetrate evenly and react with collagen fibers. Here, we demonstrate a method for preparing graphene-based polymeric fatliquor (PFGO) via an amidation reaction between amino-groups of aminated graphene (AGO) and anhydride bonds of maleic anhydride-rapeseed oil copolymer (MRO), which was synthesized by free radical copolymerization. The results show that the as-prepared fatliquor has good emulsion stability and can penetrate into the collagen fibers uniformly. Compared with the control sample without graphene, the antibacterial, electromagnetic shielding, flame retardant and UV resistance characteristics of the PFGO-treated leather were significantly improved. Overall, this e?ective yet promising paradigm may provide an achievable solution toward developing graphene-based polymer composites simultaneously with high physical property and high functional performance.