Polyacrylate/Surface-Modified ZnO Nanocomposite as Film-Forming Agent for Leather Finishing

Polyacrylate/ZnO nanocomposite is developed by employing anionic polymer (PA30) as the surface modification agent via in situ emulsion polymerization. The modification effect of PA30 on ZnO particles was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and nuclear magnetic resonance were used to show the morphologies, thermal behavior, crystallinity, and interactions of polyacrylate/ZnO nanocomposites. The nanocomposite is investigated for their behavior in leather finishing process. Grafting of PA30 on ZnO surface, where the coordination bonds between the carboxyl groups of PA30 and ZnO are developed, gives rise to much improved stability and dispersibility, and therefore homogeneity when dispersed in polyacrylate matrix. The thermal behavior and crystallinity of polyacrylate are enhanced by the presence of ZnO particles, although there is a decrease in molecular mobility. The vapor permeability and water-vapor permeability of the leather finished with polyacrylate/ZnO nanocomposites are increased by 164.72% and 114.3%, together improved antimicrobial characteristics.