Abstract

In this work, a novel cationic fatliquoring agent YH was prepared by two steps. Firstly, a cationic emulsifier YW based on fatty acid triethanolamine ester was synthesized by using stearic acid, triethanolamine and benzyl chloride. Then, YH was obtained by mixing a certain amount of YW, nonionic surfactant and neutral oil. The composition of YH was optimized by its application behaviour as a fatliquor. The structure of YW was characterised by infrared spectroscopy and 1H-NMR. The surface tension of YW aqueous solution was determined by using a surface tension meter. The stability, particle size and zeta potential of YH were studied. The results show that YH exhibits high centrifugal stability and electrolyte resistance with an average particle size of 24.44nm and zeta potential of 60.8mV at pH4.5. The leather samples treated by YH show high softness, tensile strength and tear strength. When YH was used as a dye-fixing agent, it could promote the absorption and fixation of anionic dyestuff, and improve the dry/wet fastness of leather and the colour fastness of washing.