Preparation and Characterization of Nano-reinforced Leather Waste Fiber-epoxy Nano Composite

Abstract

Significant quantities of leather waste fibers are generated from the leather industry. Confinement and utilization of leather waste fibers by converting them in to useful materials such as nano-composites is desirable. Earlier studies on making composites from leather waste fibers suffer from strength properties for different applications. In this paper, preparation and characterization of nano composite from leather fiber–epoxy polymer reinforced with nano TiO2 has been studied and reported for the first time. Physical testing of these nano composites shows better strength and other properties for improved performance as versatile material. TGA and DSC studies revealed better thermal stability (up to 330°C) for these nano composites. FTIR analysis shows possible chemical interaction between epoxy polymer and leather fiber. Better solvent resistant property was also noticed for the nano-composites prepared. SEM analysis indicates uniform nano-composite structure and distribution of nano TiO2 in the matrix. The present approach not only offers a solution to the disposal problem regarding leather solid wastes like buffing dusts, but also offers a versatile nano composite material.