Abstract

The effect of ultraviolet absorbers on the stability and quality of nitrocellulose topcoats on leather was investigated. Stabilisation was carried out with three differently substituted hydroxybenzophenone derivatives. Samples from unstabilised and stabilised nitrocellulose coated leather were simultaneously exposed to a monochromatic UV light of 300nm wavelength for a maximum period of 168 hours. Results of analysis of the products show that the stabilisers impart good resistance to UV degradation to the nitrocellulose finish on the leather. The stabilisation also improved the adhesion of finish, light fastness, flexing endurance, dry rub fastness and heat fastness properties of the top coated leather. Disubstituted hydroxybenzophenone was found to be most effective.