The Use of Sulfonated Jatropha curcas Oil for the Processing of Mechanically Improved Leather

Fatliquors are oil-in-water emulsions added during the fatliquoring process of leather manufacture to lubricate and prevent the fibre structure resticking during drying. They also increase softness, flexibility, and tensile strength of fixed leather. In this study, Jatropha curcas oil of no commercial value in Nigeria was sulfonated. The physicochemical properties of both the sulfonated and unsulfonated oils were determined. The sulfonated and unsulfonated oils were also characterized using DSC, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and 13C NMR DEPT. The prepared sulfonated J. curcas oil was applied onto goatskin and compared with commercial sulphated fatliquor in the processing of shoe upper leather. Physical/mechanical analyses were carried out on fixed leather. Tensile strength, Sudan stain, elongation at break, and double edge tear test results showed notable improvement in the mechanical properties of the leather processed with the sulfonated J. curcas oil. The microscopic analysis also showed fibre structures that were adequately opened up. This study revealed that the sulfonated J. curcas oil can be a good sustainable substitute for commercially available fatliquor as its application in the processing of shoe upper leather shows properties that are comparable with the renowned fatliquors which are normally utilized in leather industries. It also raises the possibility of commercialization.