PRODUCTION OF SUSTAINABLE VEGAN LEATHER USING FIBERS OF WATER HYACINTH

Abstract

ABSTRACT This invention introduces a process to produce vegan leather from water hyacinth fibers, offering a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to traditional leather. The method involves harvesting water hyacinth, extracting fibers, and bonding them onto crafted paper with adhesive and polyurethane for durability. This eco-friendly leather solution addresses both environmental challenges and ethical manufacturing needs, with applications in various industries.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to sustainable materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes, specifically focusing on the production of vegan leather using fibers extracted from water hyacinth. The invention provides an alternative to traditional leather that is both cruelty-free and addresses the environmental challenges posed by the invasive proliferation of water hyacinth in aquatic ecosystems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional leather production relies on animal-derived materials and involves chemical-intensive processes that significantly impact the environment. Moreover, the global demand for ethical, cruelty-free, and sustainable products has highlighted the limitations of leather manufacturing in terms of environmental sustainability and animal welfare. Water hyacinth, an invasive plant species, causes significant ecological disruption by overgrowing in water bodies, impacting aquatic biodiversity and blocking waterways. This invention addresses these dual issues by repurposing water hyacinth to create vegan leather. The process not only reduces the reliance on animal-based materials but also offers a sustainable method for controlling water hyacinth overgrowth. By utilizing the fibers from water hyacinth, this vegan leather production method contributes to sustainable material innovation and provides a viable solution for both ecological restoration and ethical manufacturing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention provides a method to produce vegan leather using fibers extracted from water hyacinth. This process involves harvesting water hyacinth from clean water sources, extracting fibers from the petiole, and bonding them onto crafted paper and fabric using adhesives. The product is finished with a layer of polyurethane (PU) for durability and gloss, creating a cruelty-free alternative to leather. The resulting material has applications in upholstery, fashion, and other industries requiring sustainable and durable fabrics, providing an eco-friendly and ethical solution to traditional leather.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The production of sustainable vegan leather from water hyacinth begins with harvesting the plant from clean water sources. Water hyacinth petioles, which contain high fiber content, are separated from the plant. The petioles are then sun-dried, ensuring that moisture levels are controlled to prevent brittleness and facilitate easy processing in later stages. During drying, the petioles are periodically rotated to ensure uniform exposure and even moisture retention. Once dried, the petioles are cut into rectangular or square pieces and subjected to mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic treatments to extract high-quality fibers.
Following fiber extraction, the fibers are adhered to a crafted paper substrate using an adhesive. A layer of polyurethane (PU) is applied to improve the bonding strength, durability, and flexibility of the final product, ensuring that the material can withstand handling and use in various applications. Hydraulic pressure is applied to the layered structure to create a cohesive and uniform bond between fibers, enhancing material strength. The material is subsequently ironed to smooth the surface, further setting the adhesive and ensuring an even texture. Finally, a wood-shining material is applied to the surface, imparting a polished finish that mimics the aesthetic appeal of traditional leather.
This water hyacinth-based vegan leather offers a sustainable alternative to conventional leather, with the added benefit of being biodegradable and less environmentally taxing. The use of an invasive plant species addresses ecological concerns related to water hyacinth overgrowth while reducing the need for animal-derived materials. The resulting material is suitable for applications in fashion, upholstery, and other industries that require durable, eco-friendly textiles.
, Claims:1. A method of producing vegan leather using fibers extracted from water hyacinth, providing an eco-friendly and cruelty-free alternative to traditional leather.
2. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the water hyacinth is harvested from clean water sources, and the petiole is separated, dried, and processed for fiber extraction.
3. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the fibers are adhered to crafted paper using an adhesive and a layer of polyurethane (PU) to enhance bonding and durability.
4. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein hydraulic pressure is applied to create a cohesive bond between layers, ensuring the structural integrity of the vegan leather.
5. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a wood-shining material is applied to the surface, providing a polished finish and enhancing visual appeal.
6. The vegan leather as produced by the method in Claim 1, suitable for applications in upholstery, fashion, and other industries requiring sustainable, durable materials.
7. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the final product is biodegradable and reduces environmental impact, addressing sustainability and ecological restoration.

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