Utilisation of finished leather wastes for the production of blended fabrics

Abstract

Ignorance regarding finished and used leather wastes leads to environmental pollution. Conversion of these solid wastes into energy and resource efficient products proves to be challenging. Nevertheless, leather fibres (LFs) were extracted from these solid wastes and they are mixed with various proportions of natural (cotton, CF) and synthetic (polyester, PF) fibres to prepare LF:CF and LF:PF composites. These composites were further processed into leather blended yarns (LBYs) and leather blended fabrics (LBFs). The fibres, LBYs, LBFs were characterized for their physicochemical and mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed the structure and compactness of the yarn. Mechanical properties of LBYs and LBFs were promising, which enables their use in leather and textiles industry applications. Blended fabrics made from LF:CF and LF:PF were of good quality with smooth finish. Hence, the study has unravelled a novel concept of fabric manufacture which is energy efficient, eco-friendly and cost effective.