Synthesis and application of methyl methacrylate/butyl acrylate copolymer nanoemulsions as efficient retanning and lubricating agents for chrome‐tanned leather

Abstract Two different nano‐emulsions based on methyl methacrylate/butyl acrylate copolymers have been synthesized to be used as retanning and lubricating agents for chrome‐tanned leather. The main difference and characteristics of the two prepared copolymers were studied. The nano particle size of the two copolymers was confirmed using transmission electron microscope (TEM). The influence of the prepared copolymers on chrome‐tanned leather as retanning agents was investigated. The properties of the retanned leather, namely, physicomechanical properties as tensile strength, elongation at break and water absorption, were measured. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) technique was used to examine the thermal stability of the retanned leather. Also, the texture of the grain surface and fibers were inspected using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The retanned leather showed an improvement in its physicomechanical properties, as well as enhancement of its thermal stability as compared with the chrome‐tanned leather. Furthermore, the retanned leather has uniform dyestuff, softness, and firmness of grain. All these promising results provide evidence to the applicability of the prepared copolymer emulsions as efficient retanning and lubricating agents for chrome‐tanned leather. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012