Revolutionizing leather treatment with emulsified Chlorella vulgaris oil: a green fatliquor alternative

Abstract

Fatliquors enhance the flexibility of leather. This study explores a sustainable alternative by utilizing waste-derived Chlorella vulgaris oil for fatliquoring applications. Initial biochemical analysis revealed a lipid content of 28.4% in C. vulgaris biomass, highlighting its suitability as a bio-based feedstock. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, with an iodine value of 102, indicating potential for improving softness, tensile strength, and moisture retention in leather. Chemical modifications via sulfation and transesterification showed stable emulsions with zeta potentials of −73.2 mv and −62.9 mv, and particle sizes of 126.51 nm and 99.16 nm, respectively. FTIR confirmed successful functionalization supporting emulsification, fiber binding, and lubrication. Experimental leathers treated with sulfated and transesterified oils showed significant improvements in softness (64.37%), elongation at break (58.65%), tensile strength (33.16%), and tear strength (up to 182.2%) compared to control leather fatliquored with Turkey red oil. SEM analysis further revealed well-lubricated and uniform fiber structures in treated leathers. Thus, fatliquors synthesized from waste algae offer a customizable, biodegradable, and non-toxic alternative to conventional fatliquors, supporting eco-friendly and high-performance leather processing. Future studies could optimize C. vulgaris oil modifications for different leather types and assess the scalability of this bio-based fatliquor for industrial applications.