Manufacturing of an eco-friendly leather made from a local natural plant

Abstract

In a dynamic sector where bio based materials and synthetic alternatives aim to replace animal materials with "bio-leather" options, bio-sourced raw materials are becoming essential to replace toxic ones. In our work, we present an innovative plant based bio-leather, characterized by its biodegradability, resistance to water and temperature, and high resistance to acids, chemicals and detergents. This sustainable and eco-friendly alternative is manufactured through a simple, easy process (requiring simple and few equipment) that adheres to the principles of green chemistry, using renewable resources and generating no waste, while being recyclable. This affordable material represents a significant opportunity to replace animal hides and conventional synthetic leathers. Our synthetic leather has undergone rigorous testing to evaluate its performance against rigorous standards. Results have shown negligible water absorption in the ASTM-D6015-21 test, perfect dimensional stability in the ASTM D1204 test at temperatures of 50°C, 100°C and 150°C, and remarkable resilience in the Toggle Test (IS 15776-2008) after being exposed to 100°C for 24 hours. The pH test (ISO 4045-2018) indicates strong resistance to acids, chemicals and detergents, while the Tensile test (ISO 1421-2016) confirms robust mechanical properties with a strength of around 6 MPa. These characteristics make our bio-based leathers an ideal choice for a wide range of industrial applications such as fashion, furniture, automotive seating and medical materials, ensuring durability, reliability and respect for the environment in demanding environments