UTILIZATION OF NATA DE COCO AS RAW MATERIAL FOR ALTERNATIVE LEATHER MATERIAL

• Main Author: Ilma Azzida, Fadila
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/81947
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

The textile industry, particularly the leather sector, is grappling with significant environmental challenges. Leather, a common material in everyday life, is a major contributor to pollution, producing substantial amounts of solid and liquid waste from the tanning process. Moreover, it significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Given these environmental impacts, there is an urgent need to explore sustainable alternative materials. One potential solution is microbial cellulose derived from coconut water, commonly known as nata de coco. This material exhibits high purity, crystallinity, and nano-morphology, making it a promising candidate for alternative materials. Through careful research and development, focusing on drying methods and the addition of additives such as glycerine and latex, the mechanical properties of nata de coco can be enhanced. Furthermore, combining it with other materials can also improve its performance. A comparative analysis of tensile strength reveals that nata de coco, with a tensile strength of 95.14 N/mm², outperforms cowhide, which has a tensile strength of 39.5 N/mm². This superior tensile strength makes nata de coco a viable alternative for applications where durability is crucial. Leather jackets, one of the staple products made from leather material, have been chosen as a product for the application of nata de coco material. Given its properties, nata de coco has the potential to be used as a fashion product in the form of alternative leather material. This analysis suggests that nata de coco could play a pivotal role in transforming the textile industry towards a more sustainable future. However, further research and development are needed to fully realize its potential and address any challenges that may arise during its production and application. Keywords: ustry towards a more sustainable future. However, further research and development are needed to fully realize its potential and address any challenges that may arise during its production and application.