New application of nano NaY zeolite in acrylic polymer pretanning agent

Abstract Modified nano NaY zeolite was used as pretanning agent additive in leather industry for the first time in order to decrease the chromium content in leather waste liquor and enhance the mechanical properties of leather. The synthetic nano NaY zeolite with the particle size of 70 nm was modified by silane coupling agent with carbon-carbon double bond, and then a series of MY/PMAA nanocomposites with different MY amounts were prepared by in-situ polymerization method. After then, these MY/PMAA samples were used as the pretanning agents to tan the pickled goat skin. The introduction of nano NaY zeolite was beneficial to improve the physical mechanical properties and sensory properties of the leather, and the chromium content in the waste liquor was also reduced effectively. It provides a new strategy for the development of chrome-less tanning agent and expands the new application of zeolite in leather industry.