Chemistry behind leather: Life Cycle Assessment of nano-hydroxyapatite preparation on the lab-scale for fireproofing applications

Human population has set in motion productive systems through which huge energy and resource flows are extracted and manipulated causing various negative externalities. In this context, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) may facilitate identifying the links between the product for which the company is responsible and the economic, environmental and social dimensions which it operates into. This research aims at contributing to assessment and improvement of sustainability of the chemistry behind leather manufacturing. This was done through LCA application to, explore the relevant environmental issues in the preparation of nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) at the lab scale, a promising biomaterial for improving leather fireproof properties. The work is one of the first-time experiences of LCA application in this field, and so the authors believe that it may contribute to enhancement of the subject literature and knowledge. The effect on collagen matrix on leather has been investigated, indeed, only for Hydroxyapatite (HA), that is, the starting material for new nano-formulation. Through their study, the authors found that the major production hotspots stay in the consumption of electricity and phosphoric acid (one of the two reagents), and in the acquisition of all input chemicals to the process. By doing so, the study may serve as the essential base for identification of new chemical formulations for improvement of the environmental sustainability associated with the process.