DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v28i4.172

Keywords: Synthetic leather, sugarcane bagasse ash, silica, filler

Abstract

Filler materials are essential as auxiliary components in enhancing the mechanical properties and heat resistance of synthetic leather. The most commonly used filler, CaCO₃, often shows poor performance due to weak interfacial interactions with the polymer matrix, prompting the development of alternative fillers. In this study, sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), a waste product rich in silica, was explored as a potential auxiliary filler for synthetic leather. The use of SBA as an alternative filler in synthetic leather is still limited and requires further investigation. SBA not only improves leather quality but also supports sustainability by repurposing waste and reducing the environmental impact of synthetic leather production. This study investigated the effect of varying SBA content on the properties of synthetic leather. Different amounts of SBA (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%) were incorporated into leather samples to evaluate its impact on the material’s properties. The resulting samples were assessed through visual inspection, physical testing using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM), and chemical analyses using a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer, Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Thermal Gravimetric Analyser (TGA). The results revealed that 60% SBA content (S-60) achieved the best performance, demonstrating superior thermal stability, tensile strength, and tear strength. The S-60 sample showed a quality comparable to commercial products, with maximum tensile and tear force values of 410.74 N and 57.91 N, respectively.