Fabrication and Characterization of High-performance Nanocellulose-reinforced Apple Leather Composites for Sustainable Applications
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 15, No 2 (June 2026) pp. 236-248
Abstract
The accumulation of apple leather scrap waste from footwear industries creates serious environmental disposal problems and limits the sustainable utilization of leather by-products. In the present study, an eco-friendly nanocomposite material was developed by reinforcing apple leather scrap fibers with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) extracted from timoho (Kleinhovia hospita) plant fibers, along with green synthesized nanoparticles such as ZrO2, SiO2, and ZnO and isoprene rubber latex as a binder. Nanocellulose was produced through alkali treatment, bleaching, and sulfuric acid hydrolysis, followed by ultrasonication to obtain nanoscale cellulose particles. The composite sheets were fabricated through mechanical mixing, molding, hydraulic pressing (1500–2000 psi), and thermal curing at 70 ℃, and their structural, thermal, and mechanical properties were evaluated using FT-IR, XRD, FESEM, DLS, TGA, and mechanical testing. The results showed that the synthesized nanocellulose exhibited a crystallinity index of about 82% and particle size of 272 nm, confirming successful formation of crystalline nanofibers. Mechanical analysis revealed significant improvements in composite performance after CNC incorporation, where the tensile strength increased from 1.55 to 1.82 N mm-2 in the control composite and reached a maximum of 3.33 N mm-2 in the ZrO2–CNC reinforced composite. Similarly, the simple tear strength increased from 14.29 to 16.67 N mm-1, while the stitch tear strength improved from 14.29 to 16.80 N mm-1 for the CNC-reinforced composites. Thermal analysis also demonstrated improved stability, with major degradation occurring around 335–345 ℃. These results confirm that nanocellulose-reinforced apple leather composites exhibit enhanced mechanical strength and thermal stability. The developed materials show promising potential for sustainable footwear components, eco-friendly leather substitutes, packaging materials, and flexible composite products, contributing to waste valorization and environmentally responsible material development.
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