MARTRA G. - Cod. Progetto 314-30 - MANUNET III 2017 "InSuLA" (MNET17/NMCS-2303) Regione Piemonte
Progetto The project aims at developing innovative chrome/metalfree leather for automotive industry that meets the
very strict technical specifications in terms of flame resistance, antifogging and stain resistance characteristics
as well as the demand for recycling materials, while increasing the ecocompatibility of chemical auxiliaries and
minimizing the environmental and health impact of tanning and finishing processes. To meet its main objective,
the Project will develop: (i) Safe and nontoxic nanocomposites based on nanoHA, nanoclays, nanoSiO2 and
nanoTiO2 as (a) inorganic fillers and (b) main constituents of additives imparting fire resistance and self
cleaning properties for replacing brominated flameretardants (persistent in the environment, bioaccumulative
in wildlife and humans, toxic to laboratory animals and wildlife). (ii) A new knowledge based organic tanning
agent (KTA) from alginate as a sustainable alternative to formaldehyde (FA) and glutaraldehyde (GA) (iii) A
new chrome/metalfree technology based on the combined use of concentrated tara extracts and the new
alginate tanning agent, both from renewable sources.