Development of nanoformulations for leathers with multifunctional performance properties

Abstract

The present work is focussed to develop the novel nanoformulations to enhance the performance properties of leather finishing applications. In this present investigation, metal oxide nanoparticles Cu, ZnO, MgO and CaCO3 were synthesized and incorporated into the conventional leather finishing ingredients. These formulations were coated on the leather by spray coating method and evaluated for its performance properties. The metal oxide nanoparticles were incorporated into standard finishes based on lacquer as well as cationic and anionic polyurethane. Moreover, these nanoformulation systems were coatedon different substrates such as cow and goat. These nanoparticles are also compatible with different pigments and other auxiliaries used in leather finishing. newlineConventional finishing system is not adequate to meet customer requirements due to lack of performance properties such as flame retardancy, fastness, antimicrobial properties, etc. Therefore, there is a huge demand for leathers which should enhance the organoleptic properties. Moreover, the conventional finishing lacks fastness and abrasion resistance properties for high-end upholstery, upper and garment applications. In conventional leather finishing, chemicals like fluorinated compounds are being added in the season newlineto attain multifunctional properties which leads to the abundant release of pollutants in the effluent. newline newline