Composite Structures Containing Leather Fibers with Applications in Constructions Industry

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. Leather waste, especially leather fibers belonging to the category of natural materials, can play a fundamental role in obtaining materials for the construction. This paper presents the production of composite structures containing leather fibers obtained from leather waste (leather shavings). The new composite structures based on leather fibers (paving blocks) were analyzed for physical – mechanical characteristics and by SEM-EDAX. Physical – mechanical characteristics of paving blocks correspond standard SR EN 1338: 2004 – Paving blocks; SEM-EDAX analysis reveled a large number of portlandite plates, reducing the amount of silicon crystals and consequently decreasing the compressive strength and mechanical strength, but also increasing the tensile strength - a main characteristic of concrete paving blocks.