Study of cross-linking reactions on butadiene binders in aqueous finishing

Abstract

Butadienes, like acrylic binders and polyurethanes, can be cross-linked to improve their wet fastness properties. Nowadays, four types of cross-linkers for leather finishing are available: polyaziridines,polyisocyanates, polycarbodiimides and epoxy compounds. The aim of this study is to compare the mechanism of reaction of these four types of cross-linkers and the possibility of using a polysilane as a cross-linking agent for butadienes. A comparison of results shows that all cross-linkers studied improve wet rub fastness. However, polyaziridine and polysilane emerge as the most effective crosslinkers for butadiene binders.