Modification of Natural Leather by Grafting Emulsion Copolymerization Technique

Grafting emulsion copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with butyl acrylate (BuA) of different molar ratios onto natural leather was carried out using redox initiation system of potassium persulfate (PPS) developed as an oxidizing agent and some sodium bisulphite adducts as reducing agents. Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) was used as an anionic emulsifier.

The grafted leather was characterized via FTIR, SEM and thermal gravimetric analysis. Moreover, the grafted leather was evaluated through water absorption, tensile strength, dyeing performance and hardness measurements. The obtained results revealed that the physical and mechanical properties of the modified leather were enhanced.