Fabrication of Novel Polymer Composites from Leather Waste Fibers and Recycled Poly(Ethylene-Vinyl-Acetate) for Value-Added Products

This investigation was focused on evaluating the utilization of Leather-waste, i.e., “Leather Shavings”, to develop “Poly(ethylene-vinyl-acetate)” (EVA) based “polymer matrix composites”. Composites with highest ratio 1:1 were developed using a rolling-mill, which then subjected hot-press molding for value-added applications, notably in “floor-covering”, “structural”, “footwear”, and “transportation domain”. The specimens examined “physico-mechanical characteristics” such as, “Compressive Tensile, strength, Abrasion-resistance, Density, tear-resistance, hardness, adhesion-strength, compression, resilience, damping, water absorption” as per standard advanced testing techniques. Raising leather-fiber fraction composites culminated considerable enhancement including “modulus”, decline “tensile-strain” at “fracture-breakage”. thermo-analytic methods, viz. TGA DSC studies have evidenced that substantial thermo-stability (up 211.1–213.81 °C) has been observed newly PMCs. Additionally, study showed solid leather fibers lose an endothermic transition temperature around 100 °C, are thermo-stable 211 degrees centigrade, begin degrade 332.56-degree centigrade neat recycled EVA samples collagen 318.47-degree “leather shavings/recycled polymer composite samples”, respectively. “glass temperature” (Tg) manufactured determined be between ?16 30 °C. Furthermore, SEM EDAX analysis used investigate morphological characteristics composites. Micrograph outcomes confirmed excellent “uniformity, compatibility, stability better-bonding” leather-fibers within base matrix. “Attenuated-total-reflection” (ATR-FTIR) carried out test “physicochemical chemical-bonding”, “molecular-structure”, “functional-groups” “base matrix”, its “composites” further affirm “recycled matrix” contained additives remain polymeric-matrix. An “X-ray diffraction study” also conducted identify “chemical-constituents” or “phases” involved throughout “crystal-structures” AFM utilized explore “interfacial adhesion properties” mechanically tested fabricated polymeric surfaces, their “surface topography mapping”, “phase-imaging analysis” leather-shavings fibers.