Abstract

In the present study the effect of TiO2-SiO2-GLYMO nanocomposite on surface properties of leather was investigated. The TiO2-SiO2-GLYMO composite was prepared through the sol-gel route from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and titanium n-butoxide (TBO). 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GLYMO) was added as coupling agent to provide a stable bond between metal oxides and leather substrate. The prepared composite was applied by spraying on the top coat of leathers in finishing. The surface properties observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed an even and homogenous coating obtained on leather by application of the composite in the presence of lacquer. The chemical structure of composite films was examined via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Si-O-Ti bond and opening of epoxy rings of GLYMO were revealed. The presence of Ti and Si in the composite treated leather samples was ascertained by inductively coupled plasma optic emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The results of the physical and fastness tests indicated that the use of TiO2-SiO2-GLYMO nanocomposite improves some performance characteristics of leather such as finish adhesion, dry and wet rubbing fastness, colour fastness to light and UV light. The results are promising for the refinement of leather surface with the application of the nanocomposite in the finishing process.