Development of bio-composite material by utilizing chrome containing leather waste with Al2O3 ceramic particles

Air pollution and soil pollution from industries wastes are one of the major problems facing by all over the world. Further, the disposal of these wastes is also costly. Leather waste from the leather industry is also a type of solid waste which produces lots of soil and air pollution. However, by utilizing these wastes lots of air and soil pollution can be reduced. In the present study, an attempt was made to utilize leather waste in the development of Bio-composite. In this study, collagen was extracted from the chrome containing leather waste (CCLW) and mixed with ceramic Al2O3 particles. Microstructure image showed a uniform distribution of Al2O3 particles in collagen. Maximum tensile strength was found to be 18 MPa for Collagen/6.25 wt% Al2O3 Bio-Composite. By adding the Al2O3 ceramic particles up to 6.25 wt% in collagen about 800% tensile strength improved with respect to the base material (collagen). However, weight loss of composite reduces during water absorption test, soli degradation test and acid corrosion test. Ductility of Bio-Composite was also analyzed to observe the effect of Al2O3 addition in collagen. The diffusion coefficient for collagen/Al2O3 composite material was also calculated to observe the diffusion of moisture in the composite body.