Comparative analysis of classification and application of matte materials in the leather industry

Chemical Composition: Determines the “Genes” of the Material

Different chemical compositions give materials various fundamental properties, determining their compatibility with other coating components, reactivity activities, and the final tactile feel.

Chemical category	Core components	Molecular/particle characteristics	Bringing key qualities
Inorganic matte materials	Silicon dioxide (SiO₂)	It has a three-dimensional mesh polysiloxane structure, with a surface rich in silicon hydroxyl groups (-Si-OH).	High polarity, hydrophilicity, porosity, high hardness, chemical inertness.
Organic matte materials	Polyacrylamide (PAM)	It is a linear polymer chain with side chains containing amide groups (-CONH₂).	Water-soluble, film-forming, adhesive, and flexible.
Organic matte materials	Wax (Polyethylene PE/Paraffin)	Long-chain alkanes, nonpolar molecules.	Low surface energy, hydrophobicity, slippericity (lubricating feel), low melting point.
Polymer matte materials	Self-quenching Polyurethane (PU)	Introducing incompatible segments or cross-linking points into the molecular chain forms a microgel structure.	Self-assembled film-forming properties, high elasticity, weather resistance, and affinity with leather fibers.

Physical Effects: Determining How the Material “Works”

The physical action of the material is a direct reflection of its chemical composition and is a concrete way to achieve matting and alter the properties of leather.

Material categories	Core Physical Functions (How to Matte)	Physical impact on the coating and leather
Silicon dioxide	Microscopic roughness : After drying, rigid particles protrude on the coating surface, forming microscopic unevenness surfaces that cause diffuse reflection of light. Volume shrinkage : Porous structures shrink during drying, worsening surface unevenness.	1. Thickening and Touch : Hydrogen bonds form between hydroxyl groups, increasing paint viscosity and preventing sagging. 2. Anti-adhesion : Particles act as physical isolation to prevent coating surfaces from sticking together. 3. Reduces blackness : Scattering also reduces the visual depth of dark leather (“not black enough”).
Polyacrylamide	Filling and leveling : Unlike silicon dioxide, which is rough to manufacture, Filling the natural depressions and damages on the leather surface , resulting in a uniform but not perfectly mirrored base surface. Gentle scattering : Its inherent slight roughness creates a soft glow effect after film formation.	1. Strong concealment power : Effectively conceals grain defects. 2. Enhances the tactile feel : The flexibility of the polymer chain gives leather a soft touch. 3. Seepage prevention and sealing : Prevents subsequent coatings from over-penetrating leather fibers.
Wax lotion	Surface isolation : Low surface energy wax particles migrate to the very surface layer of the coating during drying, forming a discontinuous, microscopic undulating hydrophobic layer that breaks the mirror reflection of light. Particle size effect : The larger the wax particle size, the more pronounced the protrusions and the stronger the matting properties.	1. Lubrication effect : The wax layer reduces the coefficient of friction, creating a smooth or oily waxy feel. 2. Water-repellent and wear-resistant : Forms a protective hydrophobic barrier, enhancing surface scratch resistance and wear resistance. 3. Effects repainting : Excessive addition reduces adhesion between coatings.
Self-matting resin	Phase separation forms a film : During film formation, incompatible segments within the molecular chain separate, forming microscopic “island-like” or “wrinkled” structures ranging from nano to micron. This structure naturally forms during the film-forming process without the need for additional particles.	1. Excellent compatibility and stability : There is no issue of settling or agglomeration of physical mixed particles. 2. High light transmittance : While the microstructure scatters light, the matrix resin remains highly transparent, achieving “matting without whitening”, His blackness was exceptional 。 3. Excellent mechanical properties : The continuous polyurethane matrix provides high elasticity, flex resistance, and abrasion resistance.

 In-depth Comparative Summary

Looking at the chain of “chemical composition – physical action – final effect”:

      Silicon dioxide : Depend on Rigidity of inorganic substances , passed Physical protrusion Matte. Advantages It offers high matting efficiency and controllable costs; Disadvantages It may affect the blackness, transparency, and abrasion resistance of the coating film.

      Polyacrylamide : Depend on Filling properties of polymers , passed Physical covering Matte. Advantages It offers unique repair performance and a pleasant feel; Disadvantages The matting efficiency is not as good as that of silicon dioxide directly.

       Wax lotion : Depend on Low surface energy of organic matter , passed Surface isolation Matte. Advantages It is a multi-effect solution (matte + tactile + waterproof and wear-resistant); Disadvantages It affects interlayer adhesion and has limited matting ability.

      Self-matting resin : Depend on Polymer chemistry design Achieved Physical phase separation Matte. Advantages It has the best overall performance (high blackness, high transparency, high physical properties, no settling); Disadvantages The technical barriers and costs are relatively high.

 Selection Decision Flow (Based on Chemical and Physical Logic)

When you need to select matte materials, you can follow this logic chain:

       The primary goal is to repair surface scars → Choice Polyacrylamide (Utilizes its physical filling and covering function.)

      The core requirement is to reduce gloss and control costs → Choice Silicon dioxide (Utilizes its physical function of microscopic roughening.) Further consideration is needed: Qi-phase (High blackness, high transparency) vs. Sedimentation method (Low cost).

      They hope to achieve a special tactile feel or high wear resistance while matting → Remarry Wax lotion (Utilizes its surface isolation and lubrication functions.)

      Pursuing ultimate quality (high blackness, high transparency, high physical properties) and process stability → Choice Self-quenching water-based polyurethane (Utilizes the physical effect of phase separation to form a film).

       To sum it up, : The chemical composition determines the “possibilities” of the material (such as silica thickening and wax sliding), and physical processes transform these possibilities into the final leather form Gloss, blackness, feel, and physical properties 。 Understanding this chain is essential for precisely ‘prescribing the right remedy.’