NEW LUBRICATING NATURAL POLYMER FOR WATER-REPELLENT UPPER LEATHER PRODUCTION

Abstract

In this study, collagen hydrolysate from bovine shaving wastes of leather production with the alkali hydrolysis reaction was emulsified with amino functional silicone oils to prepare lubricating natural polymer (LNP). Particle size and zeta potential of the LNP were measured. Prepared LNP was used in the fatliquoring step of chromium tanned bovine leathers. Contact angle of the leather surfaces with water were employed to study hydrophobicity of treated leather. The water absorption behavior of leather was determined by dynamic water resistance (penetrometer test) and static water resistance tests (kubelka water up-take). Performance characterizations of leathers were carried out with tensile strength, tear strength, filling efficiency and water vapour permeability (WVP) analyses. The contact angle measurements showed that the hydrophilic property of leather surface decreased after LNP treatment. Both dynamic and static water absorption behaviour was lowered while the WVP of leathers was not significantly affected negatively except of 20% LNP. Only 20% LNP application slightly decreased the WVP of leathers. Moreover, new lubricating agent provided satisfactory strength performance and good filling effect on leathers.

Keywords

• leather
• waterproof
• collagen hydrolysate
• lubricating agent
• fatliquoring.