Adhesives in the leather industry - perspectives for changing needs

Abstract

Adhesion is a surface physico-chemical phenomenon. The nature of the adhesive joint and its mechanical properties depend strongly on the nature of the substrate and the interaction of adhesive with the substrate. The adhesives are used in a wide array of applications ranging from packaging to aircraft and spacecraft. Leather is a unique biomaterial. It has a three-dimensional fibrillar textured surface. The use of adhesives in the leather industry has been mostly confined to the production of footwear and, to some extent, in leather goods and garments. Leather articles and footwear are made using synthetic dissimilar materials, where the adhesion between the leather and other materials such as cotton fiber, nylon, polyester, and other synthetics is important. The use of adhesives in such instances requires a careful selection and application of adhesives depending on the end-use of the leather product. The present overview discusses, at length, the various aspects of usage of adhesives in the leather industry, keeping in view the perspectives for the changing needs that are emerging in the third millennium. The description of adhesives widely in use and the improvements required to meet the environmental aspects and on-line production are discussed in terms of their formulations, physical properties, cure, and substrate preparations.