Small quantities of micrographene oxide improve the surface resistance of leather

Abstract

Graphene has the potential to improve the properties of finished leather, potentially enhancing its physical characteristics even at low mass additions. The present study analyzes the effects of adding small quantities of micrographene oxide during leather manufacture on its physical resistant features (i.e., grain cracking, tensile strength, tear strength and cracking resistance). Graphene oxide was synthesized using the modified Hummers' method and then sonicated to obtain micrographene oxide, which was later added during the wet finishing before fat-liquoring. Characterization of the micrographene-leather revealed that graphene was incorporated as a protective layer coating over the collagen fibrils, affecting the physical properties of the finished leather. It was found that small quantities of graphene oxide (0.5%) improved the grain cracking resistance, the tear strength and the cracking resistance of leather. It is postulated that low concentrations promote the diffusion of graphene oxide within the leather. In contrast, higher concentrations cause saturation and surface agglomeration, which also prevents the incorporation of fats, thus reducing the physical resistances of the leather. This study postulates that graphene oxide can be used as a beneficial additive to improve leather properties.

Graphical abstract

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