ABCITE Reinforced Leather Abrasion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The leather industry requires soft, flexible leather that is more durable and resistant to chemicals, oils, and sweat, as current leathers sacrifice durability for softness, and synthetic leathers, though stronger, rely on petroleum-based materials that are becoming scarce and expensive.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating ABCITE® particles, a strong and abrasion-resistant material, into the leather fiber structure by converting them into a fine powder and chemically bonding them within the leather's internal matrix, enhancing its strength and durability without affecting softness, breathability, or comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If soft flexible leather is used, then comfort and flexibility are improved, but abrasion resistance and strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines soft flexible leather with ABCITE® resin particles to create a composite material. The resin particles are embedded within the leather fiber structure, creating a hybrid material that exhibits both the flexibility of leather and the abrasion resistance of the thermoplastic resin, thereby resolving the contradiction between softness and durability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies ABCITE® resin particles selectively within the leather structure, concentrating the reinforcement at specific locations where abrasion and wear occur. This local reinforcement maintains the overall flexibility of the leather while providing targeted strength enhancement in critical areas
2Strength
If ABCITE® particles are incorporated into leather, then strength and durability are improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the thermoplastic properties of ABCITE® resin, which changes from solid particles to molten state at elevated temperatures. This parameter change enables the resin to flow into and bond with leather fibers during processing, then solidify upon cooling to provide reinforcement, simplifying the incorporation process despite the added material complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a carrier fluid or binder as an intermediary medium to distribute and attach ABCITE® particles to the leather substrate. This intermediary facilitates the integration of the resin particles into the leather matrix, simplifying the manufacturing process by providing a controlled method for particle incorporation and bonding
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The resulting leather is highly durable, resistant to harsh elements, and maintains its natural softness and breathability, improving grip and dexterity in applications like sports gloves and industrial gloves.
Implementation Method 1
chemically bonding them and trapping them in the internal fiber matrix of the leather, reinforcing and strengthening it
Data Source
AI summary
An ABCITE® reinforced leather and a method for producing the ABCITE® reinforced leather for use in making shoes, gloves and garments are shown. ABCITE® pellets are ground into a fine powder and floated in a carrier so that they penetrate the fiber structure of a tanned skin. The ABCITE® particles bond to the fiber structure and provide enhanced abrasion resistance and tensile strength to the leather. This ABCITE® impregnated leather can be used to make gloves, shoes and garments. Also, ABCITE® powder can be added to the surface to make the surface more durable and abrasion resistant.