Concurrent genesis of color and electrical conductivity in leathers through in‐situ polymerization of aniline for smart product applications

Abstract

We present a simple method to produce self-colored and conducting leathers using in-situ polymerization of aniline with ammonium persulfate as oxidant and hydrochloric acid as dopant. The structural and morphological features of treated leathers were examined using Fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic analyses. Results suggest the deposition of conducting emeraldine salt form of polyaniline on the leather substrate rather than other poorly conducting states. We also show that the treated leathers are bluish green through reflectance measurements thereby suggesting that the use of toxic and expensive dyes can be avoided for coloration process. Further, we demonstrate that a maximum electrical conductivity of 0.15 S/cm is obtained for the leather treated with optimal experimental conditions, which aids its application to operate touch-screen devices.

Application of PEDOT:PSS Conductive Polymer to Enhance the Conductivity of Natural Leather: Retanning Process

“…Furthermore, a disabled person who has lost a finger can use this conductive leather with a proper design to operate a smart touch screen device [7][8][9], for example, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other mobile devices. In the harsh winter months, a glove made from highly conductive leather provides accurate control over touch-screen devices without any need to remove the gloves.…”

Influence of the Structure of Footwear Upper and Lining Materials on Their Electrical Properties

“…The electrical conductivity of leather often decreases because coating polymers with high insulating properties are used. However, the incorporation of some organic additives into the polymeric composition [10] or the application of advanced leather manufacturing technologies [11] increases the conductivity of leather significantly. On the other hand, leather can change the electrical properties of other materials.…”