Pages 393–396
Abstract
Research summary supplied by the authors
The leather industry generates a large amount of solid waste. Safe disposal of these solid wastes is imperative, and several waste management strategies such as anaerobic digestion, landfilling, and thermal incineration are widely employed. These waste management strategies bring environmental pollution and involve extensive workforce engagement. Recent research has begun to explore alternative pathways for valorizing leather waste, such as incorporation into composites, polymer matrices, and adsorbents. This work aims to utilize post-tanned leather waste by blending it with natural fibers and fabricating technical textiles. Natural fibers chosen can be any cellulosic fibers derived from plant sources. The fabric formed by blending leather waste and natural fibers can be woven, knitted, or nonwoven. These fabrics carry the synergistic properties of both leather and natural fibers. Blended leather/natural fiber fabric can be used for different applications. The developed fabric can be applied to different industrial products, construction components, and geotextiles. Polymer coatings enhance the properties of fabric based on the end application. Here, composite polymer coating is done by mixing different biopolymers on blended fabric to enhance its properties. Different ratios of composite polymer are given, and the effective ratio blend is taken for further on-field studies. Thus, this work produces an eco-friendly fabric that is a sustainable waste management strategy and can also be used for real-life applications.