Abstract

A series of coconut oil-based hydroxyl-terminated hyperbranched-linear polyesters of generations 1-3 (CHBPs) were synthesized using a one-pot method and utilized in leather making. The effect of hyperbranched polymers on collagen fibres was discussed by comparing with linear products at macro level. The experimental results showed that hyperbranched polymers are less lubricating than linear compounds but have more filling abilities. Thickening rates of the leather treated by CHBPs decreased with growing generations due to their hydroxyl groups external to the molecule which will cross-link collagen fibres. In addition, CHBPs at higher generations can shrink location difference sharply. Unluckily, except for CHBP1, other products didn’t improve the mechanical properties of the leather remarkably. Still, hyperbranched polymers showed great potential application in the leather industry.