Activity of inorganic salts on different properties of synthetic leather

Abstract

As a matter of fact, it has been witnessed that the synthetic leather is becoming the main substitute to its natural leather counterpart. This phenomenon has been observed in the vast majority of fields where these materials are being exploited such as: vehicles interior materials and furniture skin materials. All of which urges the presence of fundamental characteristics that include but not limited to the soft texture, flexibility, mechanical strength and durability. Since these have the responsibility of being easy to burn, flame retardancy is required. In this article inorganic salts with different concentrations are used as flame retardants to synthetic leather as they cheaper and safer than halogenated one; Pot. Persulfate K2S2O8 (FRA), Sod. Nitrite NaNO2 (FRB), Di Sod. Tetaborate (Borax) Na2B4O7(FRC), Sod. Sulphite anhydrous Na2SO3 (FRD) and Sod. thiosulphite -5-hydroxy Na2S2O3 5H2O (FRE). The current article addresses the focal role of inorganic salts with variable concentrations plays in the process of enhancing the synthetic leather flame retardants. The treated leather was evaluated with different tests, physical properties as thickness, hardness, water vapor permeability and water absorption were determined. In addition, mechanical properties, tensile strength and elongation at break % of the treated leather were evaluated. Thermal stability was determined through, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and the enhancement in the flame retardancy of leather was investigated using horizontal burning test. Correspondingly, delaying firing process help in caring the synthetic leather from burning; led to save money. So the treated synthetic leather be able to use for different manufacturing applications.