3.1. Result and discussion
Bio-composite Leather Preparation
Six samples (1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, and 2C) with different mixture components were initially prepared; rectangular and has a thickness of 2-3 mm.
Figure 1 shows several colored samples. The surface texture is slightly rough, rigid, and flexible.
In general, filler particle dispersion, interfacial adhesion, and component concentration are the main factors influencing the mechanical properties of bio-composites [
19]. This work investigated and compared the influence of bio-fillers and polymer matrix (alginate and glycerin) on the mechanical properties of imitation leather bio-composites. The mechanical properties, including tensile strength, tear strength, and elongation at break, were tested for the two prepared bio-composite materials, and the results are presented in
Table 3.
Figure 2.
Test specimens of Pomelo (a), Sunkist Oranges (b), and Sweet Oranges (c) using bandage reinforcement.
Figure 2.
Test specimens of Pomelo (a), Sunkist Oranges (b), and Sweet Oranges (c) using bandage reinforcement.
Figure 3.
Test specimens of Balinese Oranges (a), Sunkist Oranges (b), and Sweet Oranges (c) using Dacron cloth reinforcement.
Figure 3.
Test specimens of Balinese Oranges (a), Sunkist Oranges (b), and Sweet Oranges (c) using Dacron cloth reinforcement.
Information related to the mechanical test results was obtained based on the six types of specimens. Furthermore, each specimen’s average thickness varies, ranging from 1.24 to 2.99 mm. The process of making imitation leather still uses straightforward equipment. The highest thickness in specimen 1 C is around 2.99 mm, and specimen 2A is the specimen with the thinnest thickness, around 1.21 mm. Furthermore, from the test results, information was obtained regarding the tensile strength of each test specimen, where the highest tensile strength value was around 460 N/cm2, and the lowest tensile strength value for specimen 2 B was 128 N/cm2. This mechanical test also revealed that the lowest elongation occurred at 26.05% in specimen 1B, and the highest elongation, 1C, was 67.28%. In addition, information obtained in the tear test was the highest value of 8.96 N/cm on specimen B and the lowest value of 1.46 N/cm on specimen 2B. According to Prithivirajan et al.’s work, adding stiff particles to the matrix causes stress concentration zones, leading to interfacial debonding under stress and even sample disintegration[
16]. Furthermore, improved matrices-to-matrices interactions and homogeneous polymer dispersion produce favorable mechanical properties [
17].
Based on the tensile test results it shows that the highest value from the tensile test is around 472 N/cm2 and the lowest is around 128 N/cm2. In addition, several samples show that the tensile strength meets the Indonesian standard SNI 1294:2009, namely around 180 N/cm2. However, only sample 2B does not meet the SNI 1294:2009 standard because the value is around 128-153 N/cm2. Furthermore, when viewed from an ISO 3376 perspective, the use of plant fibers as artificial leather material has a tensile strength value of around 4.5 N/mm2. Thus, only sample 2B does not meet the ISO 3376 standard because it has a value of around 180 N/cm2. ISO 3377-1 shows that the standard value for plant fiber as an artificial leather material has a tear strength value of around 31 N/mm. Thus, the test results on material using orange peel waste also show that specimen 2B does not meet the ISO 3377-1 standard because it has the highest value of around 23.6 N/mm and the lowest value of around 14.6 N/mm.
In order to determine the level of differences in mechanical properties of each artificial leather specimen, a statistical analysis test was carried out using one-way ANOVA. Furthermore, this statistical test will also analyze differences in each artificial leather specimen’s thickness, tensile strength, elongation, and tear strength. Based on The statistical analysis results on all artificial leather specimens it is shown in
Table 4.
Table 4.
Recapitulation of ANOVA results for Specimen 1A.
Table 4.
Recapitulation of ANOVA results for Specimen 1A.
Table 5.
Recapitulation of ANOVA results for Specimen 2A.
Table 5.
Recapitulation of ANOVA results for Specimen 2A.
Table 6.
Recapitulation of ANOVA results for Specimen 1B.
Table 6.
Recapitulation of ANOVA results for Specimen 1B.
Table 7.
Recapitulation of ANOVA results for Specimen 2B.
Table 7.
Recapitulation of ANOVA results for Specimen 2B.
Table 8.
Recapitulation of ANOVA results for Specimen 1C.
Table 8.
Recapitulation of ANOVA results for Specimen 1C.
Table 9.
Recapitulation of ANOVA results for Specimen 2C.
Table 9.
Recapitulation of ANOVA results for Specimen 2C.
This paper also explored the use of scanning electron microscope (SEM) testing to see the morphology and topography of the samples. It is also used to determine the distribution of elements (mapping) in the sample. The results of SEM testing are shown in
Figure 4 and
Figure 5.
To determine the morphological structure of artificial leather made from orange peel waste, analysis was carried out using SEM, as shown in
Figure 4 and
Figure 5. Furthermore, the test results showed the morphology of artificial leather at magnifications of 600 and 2000 times. Furthermore, the test results also provide information that there are several lumps on the surface of the test specimen. We assume that the orange peel powder waste particles are not uniform and that the alginate content must still be mixed perfectly. Furthermore, the test material was characterized by several lumps that were slightly dark in color. Apart from that, the SEM test results also show that certain surfaces provide an even image. Therefore, the composition of all raw materials is mixed well and blended with the bandage and dacron cloth materials.
3.2. Discussion
Genuine leather can be distinguished from synthetic leather by its inherent characteristics. Quality and durability are the primary distinctions between genuine and imitation leather. Because imitation and genuine protected leather might have similar appearances, it can be challenging to distinguish between the two. There are a few methods available to distinguish genuine leather from imitation. Faux leather was once considered a very cheap imitation of natural leather. Only genuine leather goods qualify as high-end, luxurious items. Luxury apparel labels would never use synthetic ones. However, the quality and functionality of imitation leather have significantly increased as a result of synthetic leather’s advanced development in recent years. Because of its remarkably leather-like texture and appearance, it is becoming increasingly popular in the clothing business [
18]. Because it is less expensive, more flexible, and does not require any actual animal hide, artificial leather is frequently used as a replacement for genuine leather in numerous applications. The principal uses for this well-liked material include shoes, furniture, cars, clothing, and bags. A base fabric coated with or laminated to a polymeric substance like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU) makes up the material [
19]. The foundation cloth that strengthens the polymeric film against mechanical damage might be made of woven, knitted, or non-woven materials. The quality of products made with artificial leather depends on several factors, including the material’s handling and other physical characteristics. People are more inclined to wear them because various clothes products are available today. Future research in the clothing business will focus heavily on increasing the value of this leather. Before moving on, it is essential to acquire a fundamental understanding of synthetic leather via natural to assess the likelihood of replacing genuine leather with synthetic leather [
20]. The applications and distinctions between genuine and synthetic leather through natural means help compare the characteristics of the two varieties of leather. A primary concern that must be taken into account is the environmental and animal rights considerations. One of the main issues in many businesses these days, including the garment industry, is the influence on the environment. An increasing number of designers demonstrate their environmental consciousness by utilizing eco-friendly materials. If we were to go deeper into the origins and manufacturing process of genuine leather, it would no longer be considered natural. Thus, imitation leather might be a preferable substitute [
20,
21].
In order to create synthetic leather, PU resin is typically applied over a base fabric, which is typically knit or woven from synthetic fibers, creating open cells to allow for air permeability. A polymer compound with a urethane bond (-NHCOO-), PU has a chemical structure in which two segments exist simultaneously in a molecule: a soft segment created by the reaction of diisocyanate and polymeric polyol and a hard segment formed by the reaction of diisocyanate and chain extender. PU has a scarce combination of tenacity and elasticity due to its molecular structure [
22,
23]. Its physical characteristics are highly contingent upon the kind and makeup of the monomer utilized as the binder. Stated differently, the sensory values of a porous surface layer, such as its appearance and tactile perception, as well as properties like water resistance, bend resistance, surface strength, and moisture transpiration, are primarily determined by the processing method and structure of the layer [
22]. In addition, adding more collagen to synthetic leather produces more micropores than ordinary synthetic leather. Additionally, the increased collagen concentration increases bending and compression, making the leather stiffer while reducing geometrical roughness and coefficient of friction, giving the surface a softer appearance.
The study by Roh examined the mechanical characteristics and tastes of synthetic and natural leathers [
10]. The mechanical characteristics of the leathers that affected their preferences were used to categorize them. The KES-FB system was utilized to measure the mechanical qualities of the leather, and an expert poll was carried out to assess the preference for leather. The mechanical properties of leathers vary based on their structural makeup and method of manufacture. Moreover, distinctions between the mechanical characteristics of synthetic and natural leather were noted. Preferences for hands and bags were connected to the mechanical characteristics of the leathers. As a result, three clusters were identified from the leather. Certain types of leather were better suited for bags than hands, and vice versa for palms and hands. Therefore, different development tactics are required depending on the type of leather. In contrast to artificial leather, which should be light and have better tensile resilience, natural leather for bags should be light and have strong compression elasticity in addition to its current mechanical qualities.
The biomaterial has exceptional flexibility and tensile strength (maximum: 247.21 16.52 N); it can be folded more than 100 times at the same spot without breaking or cracking [
24]. The bio-textile experienced only minor water interaction, as indicated by the 83.96-degree water contact angle. The findings of this study show that British Columbia can produce innovative, long-lasting, vegan, waterproof fashion items. Additionally, Bryszewska highlighted the impact of adding apple powder to the SCOBY culture media on the mechanical characteristics of the bacterial cellulose produced [
25]. The final product developed new mechanical properties that are beneficial in strength. The apple powder coating appeared consistent when viewed at a microscopic scale. From 10% to 60% of apple powder was applied to the cellulose surface in various amounts, and it was discovered that the variation with 40% of this powder had the best mechanical strength. Additionally, the material’s use as a card folder demonstrated its durability and ability to keep its valuable properties for at least a month.
New materials are being developed and proposed as potential leather substitutes [
13,
26]. Additionally, these materials are referred to as “trendy alternatives.” Three of these substitute materials are chosen for the report, and the material composition and a few of its properties are mentioned. Pinatex, Desserto, and so-called mushroom leather are some of these materials. Pinatex is a composite material of plant fibres derived from pineapple leaves and PLA, a biopolymer. The PLA, which is included in this material at a ratio of 20%, holds the fibres together and creates a non-woven structure [
26]. Desserto is marketed as vegan leather made from cactus as well. The easiest way to characterize this material is as laminate, made of polyester fabric with a modified polyurethane coating. At least 65% of the biobased particles that fill the polyurethane substance are made from cacti plants. Without additional coating or textile backing, mushroom leather is a naturally occurring substance[
27,
28,
29]. Unlike Pinatex and Desserto, which are materials, different providers provide a range of goods that fall into this category for mushroom leather [
26]. To support general information on various alternative materials due to their composition, as well as those working in material analytics who must identify new materials, the material composition of those materials is examined using a variety of methodologies and discussed.