Anteneh Wodaje (PhD)Aster Mekasha2024-03-122024-03-122023-10https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/2465Finished leather waste is one of the most highly generated solid wastes. However, there is no proper utilization of these huge amounts of waste. So preparation of leather boards from finished leather waste is economical and helps in reducing environmental pollution, and also incorporating the plant fibers into leather board enhances its mechanical properties. In this research different treatment methods, such as water retaining, alkali treatment, and the combination of water and alkali treatment was used for the extraction of bamboo fiber. Then 5% alkali treatment was the optimum result for this research. After that fiberized finished leather waste mixed with the plant fibers in various proportions of 0, 1%, 5%, 10%, and 15% were used to prepare the composite leather board. Two different types of binders, mainly urea formaldehyde and fevicol synthetic in the proportion of 10%, 15%, 25%, 35%, and 45%, were used for the study. Here also 15% was optimum for both formaldehyde and favicon resin binder. The prepared leather board were characterized using the following techniques: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal stability (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), tensile strength, water adsorption and desorption, flexing index, chromium six, and formaldehyde content. The results show that plant fibers improve the strength property of leather boards. Among the composite leather boards, composite board with 10% bamboo fiber with 15% urea formaldehyde, and fevicol synthetic resin show better strength property. However, the strength property of urea formaldehyde is better than that of fevicol binder. Therefore, this composite leather board can be used as a raw material for the preparation of leather goods (as a reinforcing material), false roofing, foot wear (insole board), mouse pads, interior decorations, and wall partitioning. The study also envisions the production of cost-effective composite, by converting the waste into wealth and thereby simultaneously reducing environmental pollution.en-USfinished leather wasteplant fibersbindermechanical propertieschemical properties.Thesis