Study of cross-linking reactions of polysilanes

Abstract

Nowadays, there are four types of commercially available cross-linkers for the leather industry: polyaziridines, polyisocyanates, polycarbodiimides and epoxy compounds. All these products present different chemical reactivity and have different reaction rates. This study explores the cross-linking reaction between an epoxy functional alkoxysilane and both acrylic binders and polyurethanes. Although this type of cross-linker is employed in sectors other than the leather industry, it can be used in finishing processes. A comparison of results indicates that such cross-linker presents a better cross-linking reaction rate than polyaziridine, polyisocyanate, polycarbodiimide and epoxy compounds.