Abstract

A cationic soap-free latex for use as a filling agent has been prepared by batch emulsion polymerization in the presence of a polymerizable surfactant. The product has been characterized by FTIR and TGA; the colloid properties of the latex particles have also been studied. The characteristics and effects of the latex as a filling agent have been investigated by measuring such physical/mechanical indexes of treated leather as tensile strength, thickness increment ratio, elongation at break, bursting height and also by instrumental analysis such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and colour analysis. It has been found that the cationic latex has a filling and softening ability and can improve the treated leather’s physical/mechanical properties and the affinity for anionic dyestuffs.