Development of Nano Bio Aldehyde Tanning Agent for Sustainable Leather Manufacture

Abstract

Exploring the application of natural biopolymers in leather manufacture is a need of the hour to achieve sustainability. The present research work explores the possibility of using modified biopolymer nanoparticles as a tanning agent. Starch, a polysaccharide with high functionalization, is converted into Nano Bio Aldehyde (NBA) through periodate oxidation as water-in-oil microemulsion method. The synthesized product was characterized by its physico-chemical nature. The prepared NBA shows an aldehyde content of 85%, which endorses its application as a tanning agent. Experimental leather trials were carried out to assess the tanning efficacy and found that NBA tanned leathers show a shrinkage temperature of 90°C. Physical characteristics of the experimental leathers were found to be 24 N/mm2 and 90 N for tensile and tear strength, respectively. The study provides a holistic understanding of modified biopolymer as a nano tanning agent to manufacture leather.