Oral
Abstract
Research summary supplied by the authors
The synthesis and the characterization of a series of ultra violet photo-curable waterborne polyurethane dispersions (UV-PUD) for leather finishing was successfully conduced. The UV-PUDs obtained generate polyurethan films that reticulate under the exposition of UV light from 10 to 15 seconds without the necessity of the addiction of any dangerous materials like polyisocyanate or polyaziridines. The obtained films show good values of elastic properties, resistance to repeated flection, rubbing resistance and chemicals resistance; results are discussed. The products obtained are suitable for the finishing of leather to obtain articles adapt for: footwear, leather goods and furniture. Formulation technique to obtain good results is discussed. The described top-coat technology does not require the manipulation of hazardous materials to achieve the optimal performance and do not suffer of pot-life problem because no external curing agent addition on the UV-PUD is required for the application. The application technique is very similar to the “state of the art” technology and it requires minimum modification of the common finishing facility for the installation of the UV equipment. Selection of raw materials, crucial for the obtainment of the required elasticity properties, is discussed. Also, bio-based raw materials are introduced in the project to obtain a bio-based carbon content up to 64%; biodegradability tests were conducted. Synthesis and formulation to get the correct merch properties are disclosed. The whole technological innovations presented are Patent pending.