Development of leather waste composite sheets as a sustainable material for upholstery applications

Abstract

The paper has focused on developing leather waste composites by pulverizing leather dust and manufacturing scraps and mixing them with additives such as polyurethane (PU) and silicone-based polymers to produce sustainable upholstery materials. The composites, particularly the 80/20 PU/leather blend, have exhibited superior mechanical properties, including a tensile strength of 3.0595 N/mm², which has significantly outperformed conventional materials. The composites have demonstrated reduced water absorption, stable electrical properties, and improved fire resistance, with a limited oxygen index (LOI) of 24 and a delayed ignition time of 8 seconds. This innovative approach has addressed practical requirements for upholstery applications while also supporting environmental sustainability by promoting a circular economy and contributing to carbon reduction in the aviation industry.