Biocomposites from tanned leather fibres with applications in constructions

In tanneries, only approx. one-third of the total mass of raw hides and skins is converted to finished leather, while two-thirds become either dissolved or solid waste. As part of the natural materials category, usually considered waste, leather fibers introduced into cement mortar panels play a fundamental role in construction due to both insulation properties and mechanical strength. Waste is introduced as a powder or filler or as aggregates in the concrete mix, with energy, economic and environmental benefits. The originality and innovative contribution of the scientific paper consists in re-evaluation of tanned leather waste from the leather sector by turning them into raw materials with added value and using them in construction materials industry, by developing new production concepts for new biocomposite materials.