Evaluación de dos residuos de plátano como aglutinante natural para la elaboración de un sustituto de cuero a partir de la fibra de cabuya negra (Agave americana)

Abstract

Environmental pollution affects the health of ecosystems and human populations worldwide. One of the most harmful industrial sectors to the environment is leather production. This study aims to evaluate two banana residues as natural binders in the development of a leather substitute made from Black Agave fiber (Agave americana). The implemented methodology followed a mixed approach (quantitative and qualitative) to assess, through various tests, the yield, physicochemical characteristics, and mechanical properties of the leather substitute. The experimental design was based on independent variables adjusted to the percentage of natural binder and polyester with the dependent variable being the quality of the leather substitute. During the experimental development, it was determined that the leather substitute meets the standards established by the International Union Physical Test (IUP) regulations. For the barraganete-binder leather substitute, Treatment T3 at 90°C was found to be the most suitable based on these criteria; showing a strength of 972.2 N with a thickness of 2 mm, an elongation of 50%, and a lastometry of 10.07 mm. For the dominico-binder leather substitute, Treatment T2 (random) was identified as the most suitable based on these criteria, showing superior mechanical properties compared to other treatments. With a thickness of 2 mm, this sample registered a strength of 267.2 N, an elongation of 28.90%, and a lastometry of 10.06 mm. This context leads to the conclusion that creating leather substitutes using natural binders is a promising option for replacing synthetic resins traditionally used in leather production. This innovation enables the reuse of organic waste that would otherwise be discarded.