Synthetic Leather Research Articles

Method for weaving basket using eco-friendly materials in industrial production

The trend of using eco-friendly items as substitutes for products made from plastic and synthetic leather is becoming increasingly popular with the desire to contribute to reducing environmental pollution. There are many biodegradable materials applied to make baskets as alternatives to plastic or leather products such as bamboo, lemongrass, pandan leaves, etc. However, the basket weaving process has been mainly done by manual or semi-automation. As a result, its productivity is significantly low, and the quality of the product is inconsistent. Thus, the need for an automatic basket-weaving machine is essential, this paper presents a prototype of a basket-weaving machine. The dimensions of the baskets are 150-200 mm in diameter and 100-150 mm in height, respectively. The proposed method produces 30-50 products per day which is three times as many as the manual, and simultaneously, enhances the working conditions of the laborers.•A novel machine is developed to automatically weave baskets using eco-friendly materials.•The proposed method is to improve the productivity of the basket manufacturing process.•The proposed machine would promote eco-friendly baskets and reduce plastic waste.

Surfactant Regulated Chemical Modification of Rice Straw Powder for Biomass Composite Polyurethane Synthetic Leather

AbstractFor agricultural countries in Aisa, rice straw is a waste product, but also a valuable bioresource, with its recycling methods often drawing widespread attention. In this study, a novel multicomponent extraction method was proposed to perform comprehensive extraction of holocellulose and lignin from rice straw powder (RSP), resulting in modified rice straw powder (MRSP) with different micro‐morphologyies. The results indicate that the cosolvent tetraethylammonium chloride (TEAC) is more effective for extracting holocellulose and lignin compared to others, and different surfactants have decisive impacts on the extraction of holocellulose and lignin from RSP. Among them, anionic surfactants aid in the extraction of holocellulose, with sodium allylate sulfonate (SAS) being superior due to its greater changes in allyl polarity. Conversely, cationic surfactants facilitate the extraction of lignin, with octadearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (OTAC) being superior due to the length of its alkyl‐carbon chain. And the quantized contribution of hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups of surfactants to the extraction of holocellulose and lignin, as well as, the different micromorphology of MRSP is obtained. Additionally, compared to the traditional PU (polyurethane) modified by eucalyptus wood powder (EWP/PU), the MRSP was used to prepare a series of biomass composite polyurethane synthetic leather (MRSP/PU), its tensile strength and peel strength of MRSP/PU coatings are greatly enhanced at the feedstock of 18 %.

Real or faux leather? Luxury or ready-to-wear mass production? Characterization of three TPU shoe coatings (ca. 1970) from the Kunstmuseum Den Haag fashion collection

During the 1970s, the shoe industry’s transition from real to faux leather raises questions about transparency regarding the materials used and the real cost of the production. Were luxury brands conscious of the quality of the products that they offered consumers, compared to other ready-to-wear market brands? Or, on the other hand, were they simply following trends in the fashion industry made possible by the introduction of leather substitutes? By studying three different shoes from the Kunstmuseum Den Haag’s fashion collection, a comparison can be drawn between the products used by well-known luxury fashion brands such as Charles Jourdan or Gucci, and those used by lesser-known brands for mass production such as Valentina. The results obtained by analytical techniques (OM, SEM-EDX, ATR-FTIR) reveal similarities between the both luxury brands and the mass-production brand as well as similar degradation elements.

Characterization and genome sequence of N,N-dimethylformamide degradation in Paracoccus sulfuroxidans DM175A1-1 isolated from activated sludge of wastewater.

N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) is an organic solvent with stable chemical properties and high boiling point. Based on its good solubility, DMF is widely used in synthetic textile, leather, electronics, pharmaceutical and pesticide industries. However, the DMF pollutes the environment and does harm to human liver function, kidney function, and nerve function. Herein, an efficient DMF-degrading strain, DM175A1-1, was isolated and identified as Paracoccus sulfuroxidans. This strain can use DMF as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen. Whole-genome sequencing of strain DM175A1-1 revealed that it has a 3.99-Mbp chromosome a 120-kbp plasmid1 and a 40-kbp plasmid2. The chromosome specifically harbors the dmfA1 and dmfA2 essential for the initial steps of DMF degradation. And it also carries the some part of genes facilitating subsequent methylotrophic metabolism and glutathione-dependent pathway. Through further DMF tolerance degradation experiments, DM175A1-1 can tolerate DMF concentrations up to 10,000 mg/L, whereas the majority of Paracoccus strains could only show degradation activity below 1,000 mg/L. And the efficiency of organic nitrogen conversion to NH3-N in DMF can reach 99.0% when the hydraulic retention time (HRT) is controlled at 5 days. Meanwhile, it showed a significant degradation effect at a pharmaceutical enterprise in Zhejiang Province with high concentration of DMF wastewater. This study provides a new strain Paracoccus sulfuroxidans DM175A1-1 which shows a significant influence on DMF degradation, and reveals the characterization on its DMF degradation. It lays the foundation for the application of biological method in the efficient degradation of DMF in industrial wastewater.

The challenge of cellulose nitrate-coated fabrics: molecular characterization of celluloid detachable collars and Fabrikoid

In the 19th century, significant linen and leather imitation products were invented using cellulose nitrate-coated fabrics, including celluloid detachable collars and Fabrikoid artificial leather, now preserved in the Hagley Museum and Library, USA. Using optical microscopy, µRaman, and µFourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopies, this study highlights the need for characterizing the heterogeneity of these materials at the microscale. While the detachable collars have well-preserved fabric coatings composed of cellulose nitrate, camphor, anatase (TiO2), and carbon-based particles, Fabrikoid’s pigmented cellulose nitrate-castor oil systems show problems. Our molecular data align with a 1922 report on Fabrikoid degradation, revealing free fatty acids and carboxylates formed due to oil oxidation. This is concerning as these materials were used until the 1960s, demonstrated by the analysis of objects from the National Museum of Costumes in Portugal. Future studies should address the compatibility of cellulose nitrate with fatty acids and the reactivity of additives in these systems.

Evaluation of Aging Effect on the Durability of Antibacterial Treatments Applied on Textile Materials for the Automotive Industry.

The automotive industry is always seeking novel solutions to improve the durability and the performance of textile materials used in vehicles. Indeed, especially after the coronavirus pandemic, antibacterial treatments have gained interest for their potential of ensuring cleanliness and safety toward microbial contamination within vehicles. This study gives a panoramic view of the durability of antibacterial treatments applied on textile materials in the automotive industry, focusing on their performance after experiencing accelerated aging processes. Two different textile materials, a fabric and a synthetic leather, both treated with antibacterial agents, were tested according to ISO 22196 and ISO 20743 standards, respectively, using two model microorganisms, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The impact of mechanical, thermal, and solar aging on the antibacterial properties has been evaluated. In addition, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was performed to investigate the surface morphology of the materials before and after aging. Furthermore, contact angle measurements were conducted. The results suggest that neither mechanical nor thermal aging processes determined diminished antibacterial action. It was determined, instead, that the most damaging stressor for both textile materials was UV aging, causing severe surface alterations and a reduction in antibacterial activity.

Strontium leaching from municipal waste subjected to incineration

The aim of the study was to determine the content and leachability of Sr in ashes obtained through combusting municipal waste in household furnaces. The waste had been collected as a mixed stream and as separate fractions (i.e. furniture, sponges, waste paper, PCV packaging, plastic-coated paper cartons, imitation leather, rubber, textiles and polystyrene). Using single-step chemical extractions, (HCl + HNO3, H2O, 0.01 M CaCl2, 0.1 M CH3COOH), we determined the total content of Sr (TC) and proportions of the following fractions: water-leachable, phytoavailable and easily soluble and bound to carbonates. We also analyzed the effect of reducing pH in the extraction solutions on St leachability from the study material. The study showed that Sr concentration in ash generated from the combustion of conventional fuels, alternative fuels and municipal waste ranged from 114 to 1006 mg/kg. The largest amounts of Sr were found in ash generated from the combustion of alternative fuels (coal pellets 488–1006 mg/kg), conventional fuels (hard coal 430–670 mg/kg) and mixed waste (237–825 mg/kg). The most mobile fraction of Sr (water-leachable) comprised from 1.3% to nearly 91% TC; the phytoavailable fraction and the ion-exchange and carbonate-bound fraction comprised 3–92% TC and 9–72% TC, respectively. We also found that the greatest pH reductions do not always entail the greatest amounts of extracted Sr. A much more significant factor in this respect is the mineral and chemical composition of primary materials, which can buffer changes in pH. The Risk Assessment Code (RAC) values pointed to a varied environmental risk and the highest RAC values (> 70) were found for coal pellets, wood pellets, straw, rubber and plastic containers for mixed oils.

Non-staining resistance to dyes and odors of synthetic leathers composed of polyurethane resins with different glass transition temperatures

The objective of this study was to develop a highly durable synthetic leather with excellent resistance to light discoloration and deterioration without the use of fluorine or silicon and a surface that is resistant to dyes and odors. Environment-friendly biomass feedstock was used as the reaction component. Firstly, polyurethane (PU) resins with varying glass transition temperatures ( Tg) were synthesized. Subsequently, these were used as surface treatment agents for synthetic leather, and the relationship between the non-staining performance of the PU resin and the Tg values was discussed. In addition, the physical durability over time was investigated. The non-staining performance of the synthetic leather surface against dyed clothing and the odor of ammonia evidently depended on the Tg of the PU resin used as the surface treatment agent. The Tg range that is the most convenient for practical purposes, and the related best light discoloration and degradation resistance and bending resistance, were confirmed, and serve as indicators that the material can be used as a highly durable interior material.

Mycelium-based biomimetic composite structures as a sustainable leather alternative

Fungi, the main destructors of bio-waste, are opening up a new field for bio-based materials that contribute to a more eco-friendly future. In the fashion industry, using mycelium as a substitute for leather seems particularly promising. However, research has not yet been able to imitate the properties of leather. To this end, the mycelium of various white-rot fungi (Fomesfomentarius, Pleurotuseryngii, Trametesversicolor, and, as a control, the brown-rot fungus Fomitopsispinicola) was characterised. The biomimetic techno-pull approach was used to find suitable reinforcements like needle felts or woven fabrics made from regenerated cellulose fibres for the mycelium that increases tensile strength. Two methods to produce composite materials were tested: mycelial pulp grown on a liquid medium and mycelium grown directly on a reinforcement soaked with the same liquid. Overall, mechanical characteristics from purely cultured mycelium will not necessarily reflect the same characteristics of the fungus in an embedded fibre reinforcement. Nevertheless, both methods have resulted in promising materials, with F.fomentarius pulp and T.versicolor on needle felt, outperforming the tensile strength of artificial leather and Reishi™ from MycoWorks.

Revolutionizing Sustainable Fashion: Jute–Mycelium Vegan Leather Reinforced with Polyhydroxyalkanoate Biopolymer Crosslinking from Novel Bacteria

Vegan leather derived from mushroom mycelium is a revolutionary technology that addresses the issues raised by bovine and synthetic leather. Jute–mycelium-based vegan leather was constructed using hessian jute fabric, natural rubber solution, and extracted polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymer from Bacillus subtilis strain FPP-K isolated from fermented herbal black tea liquor waste. The bacterial strain was confirmed using 16S rRNA genomic sequencing. The structural characteristics of sustainable mycelium vegan leather were identified using FTIR, SEM, and TGA methods. To address the functional features of the developed vegan leather, solubility, swelling degree, WVP, WCA, and mechanical strength were also evaluated. Mycelium networking was further validated by micromorphological examination (SEM) of the leather sample’s cross-sectional area. Jute–mycelium leather demonstrated a tensile strength of 8.62 MPa and a % elongation of 8.34, which were significantly greater than the control sample. Vegan leather displayed a strong peak in the O ═ H group of carbohydrates in the examination of chemical bonds. A high-frequency infrared wavelength of 1,462 cm−1 revealed the amide group of protein due to the presence of mycelium, while the absorption peak at 1,703 cm−1 in leather indicated the crosslinking of PHA. Moreover, the TGA study finalized the thermal stability of leather. The enhanced hydrophobicity and reduced swelling degree and solubility also endorsed the water resistance properties of the leather. The results of the investigation substantiated the potential properties of mycelium vegan leather as animal- and environment-free leather.

Maintaining Printing Machines at a Textile Company

This qualitative research explores the multifaceted applications of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) in East Java, Indonesia. Utilizing interviews, observations, and literature review, the study aims to analyze PVC's utilization across diverse sectors. Results highlight its extensive use in synthetic leather, flooring, and color manufacturing, emphasizing its versatility, chemical resistance, lightweight, and water-resistant properties. Implications underscore the importance of comprehending PVC's role for sustainable development and innovation. Highlight : PVC's Versatility: The study showcases PVC's adaptability across various industries, from synthetic leather to flooring, emphasizing its diverse applications. Sustainable Development: Understanding PVC's role in industrial contexts highlights opportunities for sustainable development and innovation, contributing to environmental conservation efforts. Qualitative Approach: Utilizing interviews, observations, and literature review, the research offers in-depth insights into the utilization of PVC in East Java, Indonesia. Keywords: PVC, applications, East Java, Indonesia, qualitative research

ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DENSITY AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES IN EXPANDED PVC FILMS WITH THERMOPLASTIC MICROSPHERES

The production of artificial leather is critically important for the manufacture of various goods, such as vehicle interiors. This manufacturing process is typically carried out by "layer addition", and the final product is called "Supported Expanded Vinyl" or SEV. This process uses chemical foaming agents that degrade with heat to generate nitrogen and carbon gases. Due to new environmental regulations, companies are opting for more sustainable measures such as thermoplastic microspheres that expand with heat. For foams expanded with this method, it is crucial to consider the viscoelastic properties at different expansion ratios as the product's performance in its application depends on these. This paper describes the differences in the mechanical properties of the yield limit and rupture resistance of PVC foams expanded with a chemical agent and those expanded with a physical agent. From the statistical analysis of the behavior of these properties at different densities, prediction models were obtained, and the statistical correlation between the factors and their responses was established. Key words: thermoplastic microspheres, viscoelastic properties, mechanical properties.

Toward the eco-friendly cosmetic cleansing assisted by the micro-bubbly jet.

While numerous types of chemical cosmetic cleansers have been presented, those with sensitive skin may still experience some irritation while using them. Moreover, the environmental issue of chemical agents has been documented repeatedly. To address these, we suggest the potential application of a micro-sized bubble-laden water jet to cleanse the cosmetics without (or less) using chemical detergents. We devised a venturi-type nozzle with a mesh and air holes capable of generating massive fine bubbles. By testing with the foundation and lip tint (known to be highly adhesive) coated on the synthetic leather and artificial skin surfaces, we measured that the cleansing performance of the bubbly jet is much better (even without the chemical agent) than the single-phase liquid jet. As a mechanism for enhanced removal, it is understood that the greater kinetic energy of the jet due to the acceleration of the effective liquid-air mixture flow and the direct bubble-cosmetic collisions play essential roles. We believe that the present results will spur the development of environment-friendly cleaning methods.

NOTAS SOBRE EL USO DE AGENTES ESPUMANTES QUÍMICOS EN LA MANUFACTURA DE PIEL ARTIFICIAL EN LA INDUSTRIA AUTOMOTRIZ

Synthetic leather production has emerged as a relevant alternative in the current context to reduce the dependence on animal fur. At the same time, social awareness has been raised to reduce the environmental footprint of manufacturing industries.

Innovative CF/PVC Foam Applicated for Automotive Synthetic Leather with High-Performance and Reduced VOC Emissions.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, valued for its mechanical and thermal properties along with cost-effectiveness, is extensively utilized across diverse industries. However, its high volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions hinder its adoption in eco-friendly synthetic leather. This study proposes a solution by optimizing the formulation design and foaming processes and achieving mechanical property enhancement via carbon-fiber-reinforced PVC composite foam (CF/PVC). The aim is to reduce PVC usage via enhancing its intrinsic properties. Systematic investigations were carried out on the impact of foaming raw materials, foaming processes, fiber content, and fiber length on the foaming performance, mechanical properties, and VOC emissions. The material formulation and process parameters were successfully optimized. Further assessment of various indicators such as the density, mechanical properties, and tear resistance of synthetic leather samples confirmed that the innovative CF/PVC foam developed in this study meets the requirements for automotive interior applications. Notably, the tensile strength and tear resistance of CF/PVC composite synthetic leather increased by 50% and 29%, respectively, compared to pure PVC, while VOC emissions decreased by 28%. It is anticipated that a more pronounced reduction in VOC emissions will be achieved in practical automotive interior leather applications when further considering the reinforcing effect of fibers, which leads to a reduction in PVC usage. The findings present a technical reference for innovative applications, aiming to enhance PVC foam performance and minimize emissions.

Porous Waterborne Polyurethane Films Templated from Pickering Foams for Fabrication of Synthetic Leather.

Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) latex nanoparticles with proven interfacial activity were utilized to stabilize air-water interfaces of Pickering foams through interfacial interaction with hydrophobic fumed silica particles (SPs). The rheological properties of the Pickering foam were tailored through adjustment of their SP content, which influenced their formability and stability. A Pickering foam stabilized with WPU and SPs was used as a template to prepare a WPU-SP composite porous film. The as-prepared film had intact open-cell porous structures, which increased its water absorption and water-vapor permeability. The porous film was used as a middle layer in the preparation of synthetic leather via a four-step "drying method". Compared with commercial synthetic leather, the lab-made synthetic leather with a middle layer made of the WPU-SP composite porous film exhibited a richer porous structure, acceptable wetting on a fabric substrate, a thicker porous layer, and higher water-vapor permeability. This work provides a novel and facile approach for preparing WPU-SP Pickering foams. Furthermore, the foams have the potential to function as a sustainable material for creating a porous-structured synthetic leather made from WPU, which may be utilized as an alternative to solvent-based synthetic leather.

High solid content waterborne polyurethane with high foaming rate to artificial leather: Synthesis and characterization

A type of high solid content waterborne polyurethane (HSWPU) dispersions applied to foamed artificial leathers were designed and prepared by prepolymer method. The solid content of the waterborne polyurethane dispersions could reach 53 %, and the foaming ratio could reach an astonishing 2.50 by adjusting the parameters. The influence of synthesis parameters, including R value (molar ratio of -NCO/-OH), D value (hydrophilic group content), trimethylol propane (TMP) content (degree of crosslinking) and ethylenediamine (EDA) content (it was chain extender) on foaming ratio were investigated. Meanwhile, a series of properties of HSWPU dispersions, films and foamed artificial leathers were introduced in detail. The results demonstrated that R value, TMP content, D value and EDA content synergistically decided the foaming properties of HSWPU dispersions in three aspects: three-dimensional structure, surface tension and polarity, respectively. With optimized parameters of R = 2.0, TMP = 0.4 wt%, DMPA = 3.0 wt% and EDA = 60 wt%, the HSWPU dispersions had good appearance and stability, and the latex particles exhibited excellent water, acid and alkali resistance after films formation. The HSWPU dispersions with high foaming rate without collapsing in the foam-forming process and created uniformly bubble pores. In terms of application properties, the prepared foamed artificial leathers showed admirable air permeability and water vapor transmissions. All results distinctly demonstrate a feasible yet promising paradigm for applying the HSWPU on foamed artificial leathers had great potential applications.

Sustainable degradation of synthetic plastics: A solution to rising environmental concerns

Plastics have a significant role in various sectors of the global economy since they are widely utilized in agriculture, architecture, and construction, as well as health and consumer goods. They play a crucial role in several industries as they are utilized in the production of diverse things such as defense materials, sanitary wares, tiles, plastic bottles, artificial leather, and various other household goods. Plastics are utilized in the packaging of food items, medications, detergents, and cosmetics. The overconsumption of plastics presents a significant peril to both the ecosystem and human existence on Earth. The accumulation of plastics on land and in the sea has sparked interest in finding ways to breakdown these polymers. It is necessary to employ suitable biodegradable techniques to decrease the accumulation of plastics in the environment. To address the environmental issues related to plastics, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between microorganisms and polymers. A wide range of creatures, particularly microbes, have developed techniques to survive and break down plastics. This review specifically examines the categorization of plastics based on their thermal and biodegradable properties, as well as the many types of degradation and biodegradation. It also discusses the various types of degradable plastics, the characterization of biodegradation, and the factors that influence the process of biodegradation. The plastic breakdown and bioremediation capabilities of these microbes make them ideal for green chemistry applications aimed at removing hazardous polymers from the ecosystem.

Green and Efficient Removal of Toxic Lead and Chromiumfrom Synthetic Leather Tannery Wastewater using Electrocoagulation

Most of leather tanneries in Pakistan dispose of tannery effluent untreated in sewage lines causing serious harmful environmental impact. Some of tanneries use conventional activated sludge process releasing large quantity of sludge and not effective for treating heavy metal in leather tanneries. The manuscript deals with implementation of electrocoagulation technology for removal of Cr and Pb from Leather tannery effluent, investigation of operating parameters current density, treatment time and pH on removal efficiency. Electrodes was made of Iron having dimension 9.5 cm x 0.6 cm x 0.4 cm and affective surface area of electrode was 76 cm<sup>2</sup>. After conducting different experiments at various operating conditions, pH 3.5 and current density 18.8 milliamp/cm2 was found to be optimized condition for treating 1 liter of synthetic leather tannery effluent. The maximum removal efficiency of chromium and lead was obtained 87.8 % and 62.7 % respectively at pH 3.5 and current density of 18.8 milliamp/cm<sup>2</sup>. The EDX analysis of sludge shows presence of chromium, lead and iron element in sludge and FTIR analysis shows the presence of hydroxyl functional group in sludge, it is strong evidence of iron polymer complexes formation with chromium and lead during treatment of synthetic leather tannery wastewater. Both of these analysis show strong evidence of effective electrocoagulation process. It was proved that electrocoagulation can effectively treat synthetic leather tannery effluent. The SEM analysis shows production of coagulant on surface of electrode.

Mathematical simulation of damage detection for fighting athletes and equipment based on conjugated polymer development.

Traditional combat sports equipment usually uses synthetic materials, such as polyurethane and synthetic leather. Although these materials have a certain degree of strength and durability, they have poor flexibility and antibacterial properties, making it difficult to provide stable support and protection for athletes. In order to enhance the antibacterial properties and flexibility of sports equipment and reduce the risk of injuries to athletes, this article conducts in-depth research on the development of combat sports equipment using conjugated polymers. This article first selects polypropylene (PP) as the base material for sports equipment for combat athletes, and uses the gas phase polymerization method to prepare the material; then uses chitosan as an antimicrobial agent and uses the oxidative degradation method to prepare it; after that, this article coats the chitosan antibacterial agent on the prepared PP material, and uses a combination of dipping and calendering for antibacterial treatment; finally, this article uses the spunbond melt-blown composite method to fill and combine the top equipment of combat athletes to achieve the structural design of sports equipment. In order to verify the effectiveness of the equipment, this article conducted equipment performance testing and sports injury simulation. The results showed that the average diameter of the antibacterial zone of this sports equipment reached more than 1 mm, and in the injury risk test, the risk of athletes' joint and muscle injuries was reduced by 16.9% and 20.5% respectively. Research shows that developing combat sports equipment based on conjugated polymers can help reduce the risk of injury to athletes and improve the safety of combat sports.