Abstract

The work described here concerns the synthesis of a special purpose adhesive and its use to bond chrome leather fibre in the preparation of reconstituted leather. Initially, two types of polyacrylate adhesives (core-shell and core) were synthesized and the properties of the adhesives were characterized. The measurements of particle size and zeta potential indicate that core-shell polyacrylate adhesive has higher zeta potentials, larger average particle size and higher poly-dispersity index (PDI) than the core adhesive. The thermal stability of a gelatin containing polyacrylate adhesive is improved.

Measurements of atomic force microscopy(AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic contact angles (DCA) and surface tensions of emulsions show that core-shell polyacrylate adhesive has higher appetency [affinity] with the gelatin. The second stage, measurements of physical mechanical properties of reconstituted leather indicate that the tensile and tear strengths of the reconstituted leather made with the core-shell polyacrylate adhesive are higher than those of products using the core polyacrylate adhesive. Measurements of water vapour permeability of reconstituted leather demonstrate that reconstituted leather made with the core-shell polyacrylate adhesive shows higher permeability than when core polyacrylate adhesive is used.

Leather wastes are a major solid waste and this research suggests that leather wastes can be used to produce reconstituted leather with core-shell polyacrylate adhesive.