Project: Innovative materials and technologies for sustainable leather manufacturing for automotive

Acronym InSuLA (Reference Number: MNET17/NMCS-2303)
Duration 01/01/2018 - 31/12/2019
Project Topic The project aims at developing innovative chrome/metal-free leather for automotive industry that meets the very strict technical specifications in terms of flame resistance, anti-fogging and stain resistance characteristics as well as the demand for recycling materials, while increasing the eco-compatibility of chemical auxiliaries and minimizing the environmental and health impact of tanning and finishing processes. To meet its main objective, the Project will develop: (i) Safe and non-toxic nanocomposites based on nanoHA, nanoclays, nanoSiO2 and nanoTiO2 as (a) inorganic fillers and (b) main constituents of additives imparting fire resistance and self cleaning properties for replacing brominated flame-retardants (persistent in the environment, bioaccumulative in wildlife and humans, toxic to laboratory animals and wildlife). (ii) A new knowledge based organic tanning agent (KTA) from alginate as a sustainable alternative to formaldehyde (FA) and glutaraldehyde (GA) (iii) A new chrome/metal-free technology based on the combined use of concentrated tara extracts and the new alginate tanning agent, both from renewable sources.
Network MANUNET III
Call Manunet Call 2017

Project partner