Polymeric coatings containing antioxidants to improve UV and heat resistance of chrome-free leather
2008
Liu, Cheng-Kung | Lataona, Nicholas P. | DiMaio, Gary L. | Cooke, Peter
For automotive upholstery leather, UV and heat resistance are very important qualities, particularly for non-chrome-tanned (chrome-free) leather. One of our research endeavors has focused on an environmentally friendly finishing process that will improve the UV and heat resistance of automobile upholstery leather. Both tocopherol and butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) are wellknown antioxidants commonly used in the cosmetic and food industries. Tocopherol has been reported as a potent free radical scavenger and highly protective agent for collagen fibers against UV and heat damage. Experiments were conducted by adding 1 to 5% alpha-tocopherol and mixed-tocopherol to the grain layer finishes (topcoat) of chrome-free leather. The treated samples were exposed to artificial sunlight at a high temperature for 72 hours and then evaluated for the efficacy of UV and heat resistance and by mechanical property testing for tensile strength and fracture energy. Tests using 5% alpha-tocopherol or mixed-tocopherol showed a significant improvement in color fading resistance against UV radiation and heat. We also studied the addition of BHT to the fatliquoring drums. Observation, however, showed BHT has no beneficial effect on the UV and heat resistance of finished leather.
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