Chemical evaluation of composites natural rubber/carbon black/leather tannery projected to antistatic flooring

Abstract

In this study the composites which are commonly called NR/CB/Leather were developed in order to apply them as antistatic flooring and coating. They were developed using vulcanized natural rubber, carbon black to add an electric conduction property and industrial leather waste. The leather industrial waste was micronized and added to the rubber matrix in proportions of 60 and 80 phr using an opened mixing cylinder according to ASTM D 3182 standard. The composites were exposed to the sanitizing agents, (i) bleach and (ii) disinfectant, aiming to simulate a real cleaning context, and to meet the health standards of the Brazilian Ministry of health. Physical‐chemical and microbiological evaluations were carried out to determine the structural and chemical stabilities of the composites. After this, low water absorption level (<1.5%), immobilization and low chromium oxide level (<1.5), pH within the neutrality rate and an excellent resistance to microbiological contamination were identified for the composites. Thus, from a physical‐chemical perspective, the composites NR/CB/Leather displayed suitable properties and potential for application as antistatic flooring and coatings. Besides using leather industrial waste in their production, their manufacture can boost this industrial sector economically and, consequently, promote a reduction in environmental impact. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43618.

Selection of Tanned-Leather Waste in Recovering Novel Raw Material for Manufacturing Rubber Artifacts: Towards a Zero-Waste Condition

“…This means that subjected to the same stress CMPTD, CMCS and COT compounds extend less than BC reference, therefore, in working conditions, these materials undergo less elongation. This is consistent with the literature [28], in which NR-based compounds with the incorporation of leather waste were found to have a significantly lower breaking load and a strong increase in hardness. Hence, it can be inferred that chrome-tanned leather waste like PTD and CS are suitable for manufacturing floors mats, soles and heels, while the COT compound can be used for making hose or conveyor belts where a greater tensile strength is required.…”

“…Leather waste was used without chemical treatments so that the release of chromium could be aroused. In this regard, both the formulations and the artifacts were monitored for the release of chromium (VI) traces [28,31]. However, concerns about possible synergistic harmful effects between rubber and tanned waste (e.g., chromium release) [35] have prompted us to carry out chemical analyses for a whole year [33,34].…”

Effect of particle size of leather wastes on the processing, vulcanization, and physico-mechanical properties of natural rubber/leather wastes composites

“…Furthermore, its composition is characterized by its acidity and the presence of various chromium salts, hindering its recycling process. 3–5 In order to mitigate the impact of this type of waste, its incorporation into elastomeric matrices in different proportions has been studied, where the addition of solid leather wastes in natural rubber-based composites has been of great interest. These composites have exhibited a high compatibility between the residues and the matrix, favoring the improvement in mechanical properties such as hardness and tensile strength.…”

Valorization Strategy for Leather Waste as Filler for High-Density Polyethylene Composites: Analysis of the Thermal Stability, Insulation Properties and Chromium Leaching

“…Cr 3+ in the leachate were found as 12 ppm for 30% BF composite and 21 ppm for 40% BF composites. The composite reinforced with a 30% BF provides comparable low levels in leachate to maximum allowed concentration MAC for nonhazardous waste (MAC = 10 mg/kg) [ 40 ] and previously published data regarding evolution of chromium oxide in natural rubber composites, subsequent to its exposure to different sanitizing chemicals (50 mg/kg) [ 41 ]. The strong interfacial bonding between polymer and leather waste, reported in our previously published paper, presumably prevented chromium leaching from composites [ 24 ].…”