Biodegradable Polymeric Composites Based on Natural Rubber and Functionalized Post-Consumer Leather Waste

This work presents the development and characterization of biodegradable polymeric composites based on natural rubber and protein waste from finished post-consumer leather. Protein waste is cryogenically ground to min. 500 nm, functionalized by a mechanical process at temperature with potassium oleate (5%) and mixed in the composite in various proportions (5, 10, 20, 30, 50%). This composite will be made into a low-density product, with low cost, recovery and reuse of waste, and last but not least, biodegradable. The methodology for making the new materials involves the following steps: sorting waste, grinding, functionalization and compounding. These operations are easy to manage and do not involve new equipment. Compounding, the most important operation, will be carried out on a roller and the mixtures will be processed into finished products by compression in an electric press. The tested biodegradable composites were structurally and physico-mechanically characterized. Waste transformation (ground and functionalized) into new value-added products will lead to remarkable improvements in the life cycle of raw materials and the sustainable use of this waste, contributing to sustainability, improving eco-efficiency and economic efficiency and reducing the “pressure” of waste on the environment.