Morphological Properties of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)/Leather Waste Composite

Abstract

This study reports the conversion of waste cow leather into useful materials through composite design and fabrication. The fabricated composite was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrophotometer to identify functional groups and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to check dispersion and compatibility. In order to enhance the adhesion
between the reinforcement and the matrix, 0.5g trimethylquinoline (TMQ), 3.5g Mg (OH)2, 0.3g TiO2 were used as additives. Results obtained from FTIR, showed a C-H, C-C, C=C, cis disubstituted alkene, O-H, N-O, C-O, C=O, C-N and N-H as the major functional groups. SEM revealed a ductile fracture surface as the mode of tensile deformation indicating a good
dispersion, adhesion and compatible material with HDPE. This work had contributed to the reduction of tannery solid waste in the environment. Composite of HDPE/Leather waste are safe because tons of chrome is kept inside the polymer as Cr3+ without the risk of oxidizing to Cr6+ under the action of sun light and heat thereby reducing the risk of water and soil contaminations.