WO2024133943A2 - New type of imitation leather - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to imitation leather, a piece of garment comprising said imitation leather, and a process for manufacturing said imitation leather.

Description

New synthetic leather

SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an artificial leather, an article of clothing comprising the artificial leather and a method for producing the artificial leather.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The leather industry is one of the sectors with a high potential for environmental pollution. The chemicals used in tanning, particularly antibiotics, tanning agents, biocides and volatile organic chemicals such as formaldehyde, can cause lasting damage to the environment if not used properly. However, using the chemicals properly is very costly and time-consuming. In addition, some of the substances used can remain in the material and only come out when it is used later. This poses health risks for the end customer. There are also ethical concerns about the use of animal hides.

There have therefore been efforts for a long time to replace leather with synthetically produced materials. These surrogates are generally referred to as artificial leather. This is often a composite of a textile base and a plastic layer applied to it, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane (PU).

DE 1 635 546 A describes an artificial leather that is produced using papermaking processes, wherein the artificial leather consists essentially of non-fibrous elastomeric polyurethane with minor admixtures of staple fibers, preferably synthetic fibers or leather fibers.

DE 199 37 808 A1 relates to a leather substitute material which has an essentially fabric-like carrier layer, a thinner barrier layer applied thereon and a cover layer provided on the barrier layer.

DE 102015 101 331 A1 relates to a translucent synthetic leather with a textile carrier structure and with at least one layer of PU or PVC. The layer composite can also have a surface coating. The artificial leather obtained through this process has several advantages over animal leather. PVC artificial leather is inexpensive and robust, whereas PU artificial leather has advantageous material properties such as being able to be washed repeatedly. Since artificial leather is produced as a continuous material, it is also much easier to cut than with animal leather. The production process is also considerably shorter, as the complex tanning process is eliminated. In addition, artificial leather manufacturers are not tied to the market availability of certain animal hides.

However, the previously known artificial leather materials are essentially based on synthetic plastics that are made from finite fossil resources such as petroleum and are not biodegradable. In addition, such artificial leather materials usually still contain solvent or dispersant residues and plasticizers and are therefore not completely harmless to health. In addition, artificial leather often cannot achieve the same optical and tactile properties as animal leather.

A large number of the above-mentioned problems are solved by the layer composite disclosed in EP 3 710 631 A1. This comprises a textile carrier layer, a cover layer and a decorative layer which comprises a plant leaf material and which is arranged between the carrier and the cover layer. However, the cover layer required for this layer composite leads to a reduced biodegradability of the artificial leather and thus reduces its sustainability. In addition, the application of a cover layer, which often consists of a synthetic polymer material, involves an additional work step and thus a more complex manufacturing process. Furthermore, the range of applications of the layer composite of EP 3710 631 A1 is limited by the properties that can be achieved with a plant leaf material as a decorative layer. For example, light colors of the leather can only be achieved with additional (artificial) dyes in the decorative layer.

TASK

Against this background, the object of the invention is therefore to provide an artificial leather which is easier to produce and which can be produced in a more environmentally friendly or sustainable manner than the known natural and/or synthetic leathers, which is at least partially biodegradable and can be used in the widest possible field.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved according to the invention by a composite material comprising i. a binder, ii. a filling material arranged at least partially, preferably completely within the binder, comprising an inorganic salt and/or a fiber material and/or lignin and/or a combination of plant leaf material and a gum material, preferably starch gum, and iii. optionally: a humectant.

In contrast to the known leather substitutes, in particular the layered composite known from EP 3710 631 A1, the artificial leather according to the invention, in particular when using a fiber material and/or an inorganic salt as a filler material, can completely dispense with a protective cover layer and also a stabilizing textile base layer without this having a severely negative impact on the material properties. This is made possible by an artificial leather that has sufficient stability and durability. The artificial leather not only has optical and tactile functions, but also has structural stability and flexibility thanks to the filler material.

For this purpose, the artificial leather has at least two or three components, a binding agent, a filling material and an optional humectant. The binding agent serves as a matrix material for absorbing the filling material, which gives the artificial leather mechanical stability. By embedding the filling material in the binding agent, a flexible, i.e. elastically stretchable and bendable, but stable layer is formed. The third, optional component, the humectant, prevents or slows down the drying out of the artificial leather. The artificial leather can also have several of the respective components, for example several different filling materials and/or humectants. In a preferred embodiment, the artificial leather can have several layers, for example several decorative and/or carrier layers. In other words, the artificial leather can be present as a layered composite. When we refer to a layered composite in the following, we mean such an arrangement with several layers.

Such a layer composite can, for example, comprise carrier layers and/or cover layers and/or decorative layers and/or adhesive layers.

A carrier layer strengthens the structural strength of the composite and can ensure good processability, especially when sewing the layer composite.

As a rule, the carrier layer is made of a textile material, which is preferably selected from the group consisting of fleece, woven fabric, knitted fabric, braids or mixtures of the aforementioned. A cover layer comprises or consists of a plastic, wax or protein material or a combination of rubber material and binding agent or a mixture of the above. It essentially serves to protect underlying layers from external influences such as moisture, abrasion and/or radiation.

The decorative layer essentially determines the optical properties of the layer composite and for this purpose comprises the filler material(s) and the binding agent. It is preferably arranged between a carrier layer and a decorative layer.

By combining several layers, especially several decorative and/or carrier layers, the optical and structural properties of the artificial leather can be adapted even more individually.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the artificial leather is formed in a single layer. This results in products that are particularly easy to manufacture. In a layered composite, there is usually a separation of functions, i.e. the individual layers only have a single function (e.g. decorative or covering function). The mechanical resistance of the overall composite is determined by the weakest layer. This problem is solved by combining mechanical reinforcement (inorganic salt, lignin and/or fiber material) and other functions (e.g. optical properties of fiber material or inorganic salt). In addition, due to the integral design of the artificial leather composite material, layer transitions as predetermined breaking points of the composite are avoided. This means that the single-layer material has significantly better mechanical properties such as better tensile strength, better elongation at break or better impact resistance. In addition, this makes it possible to produce a product that is uniform on all sides.

The mechanical properties of the artificial leather can be controlled in particular by the properties of the filling material, especially its hardness. For example, using an inorganic salt as a filling material can generally produce a significantly stronger material, whereas using a plant leaf material as a filling material tends to produce a soft, i.e. highly flexible, artificial leather. Lignin as a filler also produces a comparatively strong artificial leather, particularly if the weight proportion is ≥ 20% by weight of the total weight of the decorative layer and/or the artificial leather, a very strong artificial leather is obtained. However, the filling material not only gives the artificial leather a good grip, an attractive appearance and sufficient stability, but can also produce a pleasant scent. This effect can be enhanced and controlled in particular by a layered composite structure, namely by having the artificial leather have several layers that are partially or completely needled and not glued and/or pressed. This gives the artificial leather increased permeability. so that fragrances contained in the filling material or binding agent can be released more easily.

By using various inorganic salts, fiber materials or plant leaf materials or mixtures of the aforementioned, possibly in combination with lignin, almost all conceivable leather colors can be reproduced with the artificial leather according to the invention. The artificial leather according to the invention can therefore be used in a variety of different applications.

The artificial leather particularly preferably has several filling materials, wherein at least one of the filling materials is a fiber material or an inorganic salt. The combination of fiber material and inorganic salt is also particularly preferred.

The binding agent serves as a matrix material for the filling material. It is therefore present in the artificial leather in its bound form and thus enables the filling material to be firmly incorporated into the artificial leather. The binding agent is particularly preferably an organic binding agent. It is particularly preferably a - preferably organic - polymeric binding agent such as a cross-linked or partially cross-linked polymer. The combination of binding agent and filling material can produce an artificial leather with sufficient stability that is simultaneously (elastically) deformable. The artificial leather is also similar to animal leather in its other properties such as abrasion resistance and wear behavior. In order to maintain these properties over a longer period of time, which are achieved in particular by the mixture of filling material and binding agent, the artificial leather can contain a humectant. A humectant is an additive that prevents the artificial leather from drying out by binding water and/or attracting air humidity. This ensures elastic deformability.

According to the invention, "plant leaf material" is understood to mean whole or chopped untreated or treated leaves, in particular leaf dust. This also includes petals, i.e. all the leaves of a flower, such as rose petals. "Treated leaves" is understood to mean those plant leaves or chopped sections thereof that have been preserved by fermentation, chemical treatment, in particular with alcohols, or by drying. In a preferred embodiment, the plant leaf material is fermented, i.e. it has been subjected to a fermentation process that has brought the dried leaves into a state that is suitable for storage and consumption.

Alternatively or additionally, the plant leaf material can be chemically treated before use in the artificial leather, preferably with a mixture of water and a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin. This is particularly advantageous when the plant leaf material comprises or consists of entire leaves or sections of leaves. This gives the plant leaf material elastic deformability and increased breaking strength, in particular increased tensile strength and flexural strength. It has also been found that the plant leaf material can continue to undergo a maturing process even in the layered composite, which improves the deformability and breaking strength of the material. The maturing process lasts at least one week, preferably two weeks, more preferably one month and most preferably two months. The maturing process improves the properties in particular when an optional covering layer comprises or consists of a wax material.

If the filling material of the artificial leather comprises a plant leaf material, then - in contrast to designs in which an inorganic salt and/or a fiber material and/or lignin is used as a filling material - a rubber material must also be part of the filling material. This is the only way to obtain a sufficiently stable but flexible artificial leather that does not have to be protected with an additional cover layer. A rubber material is understood to mean heteropolysaccharides and substances comprising polysaccharides, in particular exudates, which form highly viscous and sticky solutions with a solvent such as water, which harden elastically and can thus give the decorative layer with plant leaf material a stable but flexible structure. The term also includes in particular vulcanizates of natural and synthetic rubbers. The rubber material is particularly preferably starch rubber (dextrin).

If the filling material of the artificial leather is an inorganic salt and/or a fiber material and/or lignin, in a preferred embodiment the artificial leather can further comprise a rubber material.

In a preferred embodiment, the filling material consists of an inorganic salt and/or a fiber material and/or lignin and/or a combination of plant leaf material and a rubber material, preferably starch rubber. The combination of plant leaf material and a rubber material is preferably introduced as a mixture, particularly preferably as a homogeneous mixture, as a filling material into the artificial leather during its production. In another preferred embodiment, the plant leaf material and the rubber material are introduced as separate components during production.

If the filling material of the artificial leather comprises a plant leaf material, in a preferred embodiment of the invention this is essentially free of wood fibers. In the context of the present invention, this means that the proportion of wood fibers, for example material from wood chips, sawdust, logs and branches is less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 1% by weight, even more preferably less than 0.5% by weight and most preferably less than 0.1% by weight. Corresponding wood fibers can have a negative impact on the optical and tactile properties of the material.

Particularly preferably, the plant leaf material is selected from the group consisting of rose petals, vine leaves, cherry laurel leaves, hemp leaves and tobacco. Particularly preferably, the plant leaf material is tobacco.

Tobacco offers several advantages over other plant leaf materials. As a raw material, tobacco is very readily available all year round. Due to the declining demand for tobacco, there is usually excess production capacity, which can be purchased cheaply. Tobacco also contains a high proportion of natural alkaloids, particularly nicotine, which act as insecticides. This keeps mites and other pests away from the artificial leather and produces a particularly long-lasting imitation leather. In addition, tobacco leaves are particularly flexible and tear-resistant, especially after treatment with a mixture of water and a polyhydric alcohol. The natural scent, in addition to the optical properties, also speaks in favor of using tobacco in artificial leather. These advantageous properties are particularly pronounced in fermented tobacco.

In a preferred embodiment, the plant leaf material of the artificial leather is finely ground tobacco and/or tobacco dust and/or tobacco cuttings, the plant leaf material preferably being bound by a polysaccharide in the artificial leather, i.e. the binding agent is a polysaccharide. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the polysaccharide is dissolved or suspended in a solvent or dispersant that contains or consists of a humectant such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin before the decorative layer is formed.

In another preferred embodiment, plant leaves and/or sections and/or panicles are the plant leaf material of the artificial leather, in particular as part of a separate decorative layer. Such a leaf material gives the artificial leather a particularly natural and elegant appearance and can therefore also be referred to as a finishing layer. Similar to animal crocodile or snake leather, such a decorative layer creates a unique, always differently structured and lively appearance of the layer composite. In order to achieve particularly good optical and tactile properties of the artificial leather, in a preferred embodiment In the implementation of the invention, the sheets are laid overlapping. This creates an artificial leather with sections of different thicknesses. These "irregularities" in the artificial leather give the user the impression of a particularly natural imitation leather.

According to the invention, "inorganic salt" is understood to mean an inorganic, crystalline substance that is made up of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). Ionic bonds exist between these ions. As a solid, these together form an ionic lattice that is responsible for the strength of the material. The inorganic salt is preferably a mineral compound, i.e. a materially uniform, natural and inorganic component of the earth. The term inorganic salts also includes coordination compounds that are made up of one or more central particles and one or more ligands. The proportion of natural components in the artificial leather can be further increased by using minerals.

"Lignin" is the collective term for a group of phenolic macromolecules that are preferably linked three-dimensionally. Like inorganic salts, lignin can give artificial leather a particularly pronounced strength.

Fibre material is a term for materials that consist essentially, i.e. ≥ 50% by weight, of fibres. A fibre is a linear, elementary structure that consists of a fibre material. The fibre materials used in the artificial leather according to the invention are preferably biogenic and mineral fibre materials (natural fibres). However, they can also be artificially created organic or inorganic fibre materials (synthetic fibres or chemical fibres).

Preference is given to natural fibers, which are preferably selected from the group consisting of plant and/or animal and/or mineral fibers. Particularly preferred are plant hairs such as cotton or kapok, bast fibers such as flax, hemp, jute, sunn, kenaf or ramie, hard fibers such as sisal, henequen, manila, phormium or coconut, wool and hair such as sheep's wool, mohair, sheep's camel horsehair, silks such as mulberry silk, wild silks, mineral fibers such as asbestos.

In a preferred embodiment, the fiber is a pulp, which in turn is preferably produced by chemical digestion of straw, bagasse, kenaf, bamboo or hemp.

In a preferred embodiment, the filling material or the binding agent is colored with a synthetic or preferably natural colorant. This makes it possible to imitate the optical properties of various types of animal leather. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the colorant is partially or completely food-safe. and/or consists of substances that can be returned to biological cycles as biological nutrients or continuously kept in technical cycles as technical nutrients (cradle-to-cradle certification).

The thickness of the artificial leather is, for example, 0.1 to 30 mm, in a preferred embodiment 0.1 to 20 mm, more preferably 0.1 to 10 mm, particularly preferably 0.1 to 5 mm, most preferably 0.2 to 2 mm.

The abrasion resistance of the artificial leather according to the invention is preferably at least 10,000 Martindale cycles, more preferably at least 20,000 Martindale cycles, even more preferably at least 30,000 Martindale cycles, even more preferably at least 50,000 Martindale cycles and most preferably at least 100,000 Martindale cycles.

The abrasion resistance in Martindale can be determined as described in DIN EN ISO 12947-1.

In a preferred embodiment, the basis weight (grammage) of the artificial leather is 100 to 3000 g/m ² , more preferably 400 to 2500 g/m ² , particularly preferably 600 to 1800 g/m ² , most preferably 700 to 1200 m ² .

The artificial leather is stable, lighter than animal leather, scratch-resistant and water-repellent. It is also characterized by its abrasion resistance, heat resistance and excellent wear behavior. In particular, the versions with an inorganic salt as a filler material are characterized by a high and permanent lightfastness. The properties of the artificial leather can be adapted to the specific application by using different and combinable fillers (vegetable leaf material and rubber material, inorganic salt, fiber material and/or lignin). For example, a very light-resistant and brightly shining artificial leather can be obtained by using titanium dioxide as a filler material. In addition, the artificial leather, especially in the one- or two-layer structure, is much easier and quicker to produce than the imitation leather known from the state of the art. The artificial leather can usually be used as soon as the binding agent has dried. A large part of the artificial leather, in some versions even the entire artificial leather, is also recyclable because the materials used are degradable and/or of natural origin.

In a preferred embodiment, the weight proportion of the filling material in the artificial leather is at least 10 wt.%, more preferably at least 15 wt.%, even more preferably at least 20 wt.%, even more preferably at least 25 wt.%, even more preferably preferably at least 30% by weight, and most preferably at least 40% by weight, but preferably also ≤ 60% by weight. A high proportion of filling material improves the mechanical properties of the artificial leather, in particular its stability.

The artificial leather can contain one or more humectants. The humectant prevents drying out and thus ensures that the artificial leather remains permanently flexible. This is particularly necessary given that the artificial leather according to the invention does not have to have a covering layer, i.e. it can be formed in a single layer that protects against drying out.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the humectant is selected from glycerin, polydextrose, sorbitol, polyhydric alcohols and polyalcohols such as 1,2-propanediol, glycol, alditols, aloe vera gel, honey, lithium chloride, molasses, xylitol, hydroxycarboxylic acids, hyaluronic acids and salts or esters of hyaluronic acid (these also act as binding agents and are therefore particularly preferred); triacetin, cellulose powder, quillaja extract, urea, pantolactone, polyols or mixtures of the aforementioned.

In a preferred embodiment, the proportion by weight of the humectant in the artificial leather is at least 15% by weight, more preferably at least 20% by weight, even more preferably at least 25% by weight, even more preferably at least 30% by weight, even more preferably at least 35% by weight, even more preferably at least 40% by weight and most preferably at least 45% by weight, but preferably also 60% by weight. A high proportion of humectant improves elasticity and thereby prevents buckling/breaking.

If the artificial leather has a separate decorative layer, this can contain one or more inorganic salts as filling material.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more inorganic salts that can be contained in the artificial leather and/or the decorative layer are selected from halides, in particular chlorides and bromides, oxides, hydroxides, sulfides, carbonates, sulfates, phosphates, nitrates and mixtures of the aforementioned. Chlorides, bromides, phosphates and sulfates are particularly preferred. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inorganic salt is pH-neutral, ie a 0.1 molar solution of the salt in water has a pH in the range of 5-9, preferably 6-8. This avoids impairment of the other components of the artificial leather and produces a more durable artificial leather. The inorganic salt or salts are preferably present in powder form in the artificial leather.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inorganic salt comprises a metallic cation, which is preferably selected from the metallic main group elements, particularly preferably from alkali and alkaline earth metals. The inorganic salt is particularly preferably free of heavy metals, ie the proportion of metals with a density > 5.0 g/cm ³ in the inorganic salt is ≤ 1% by weight, preferably ≤ 0.1% by weight. This ensures that the artificial leather according to the invention is particularly sustainable and environmentally friendly. The inorganic salt is particularly preferably a mineral, particularly preferably chalk, kaolin, kaolinite, layered silicates, in particular clay minerals, halloysite, marble, in particular marble powder, basalt, in particular basalt powder, slate, in particular slate powder, iron oxide, in particular iron(II) oxide and iron(III) oxide, titanium oxide or zeolite. Zeolites are particularly preferred due to their adsorption capacity, which can be used, for example, to absorb odors.

If the filling material includes plant material, the filling material must also contain a rubber material to ensure that a stable yet flexible decorative layer is obtained.

The rubber material is preferably selected from gum arabic, tragacanth, vulcanizates of natural and synthetic rubbers, karaya gum and starch gum.

The artificial leather further comprises at least one binding agent, i.e. a film-forming material in which the filling material can be bound so that a layer containing the filling material can be formed. The binding agent also gives the material a certain flexibility, which is advantageous when used as imitation leather. The binding agent can be a synthetic polymer material. In order to increase the biocompatibility and sustainability of the artificial leather, the binding agent is preferably a biopolymer, which preferably consists of biogenic, i.e. renewable, raw materials or at least comprises such and/or is biodegradable. The binding agent is particularly preferably a gelling agent based on a plant or animal protein or a binding agent based on a polysaccharide, in particular a polysaccharide, such as a galactose polymer. The gelling agent is particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of agar-agar, chitosan, hyaluronic acids and salts or esters of hyaluronic acid, pectin and xanthan, natural and synthetic resins, gelatin, alginic acid and alginate, cellulose, carrageenan, furcellaran, locust bean gum, guar gum, tragacanth, tara gum, gellan, cellulose ether, modified starch, glue or mixtures of the aforementioned. The binder and/or the decorative layer and/or the artificial leather are particularly preferably essentially free of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride, particularly strongly preferably free of polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride. This is preferred because these polymers release partially toxic compounds when they decompose. This makes it possible to obtain a particularly ecologically harmless material. Essentially free in this context means that the weight proportion of polyurethane and/or polyvinyl chloride in the total weight of the binder and/or the decorative layer and/or the artificial leather is ≤ 20 wt.%, preferably ≤ 10 wt.%, more preferably ≤ 5 wt.%, more preferably ≤ 2 wt.%, even more preferably < 1 wt.%, and most preferably ≤ 0.5 wt.%.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the binder is obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of a fiber material, in particular the fiber material used as a filler material, and subsequent regeneration, e.g. with an acid.

In a preferred embodiment, the weight proportion of the binder in the artificial leather is at least 10% by weight, more preferably at least 15% by weight, even more preferably at least 20% by weight, even more preferably at least 25% by weight, even more preferably at least 30% by weight and most preferably at least 40% by weight, but preferably not more than 60% by weight. A high proportion of binder is beneficial in order to obtain a stable artificial leather in which the filling material can be evenly distributed.

Preferably, the weight ratio of binder to filler material in the artificial leather and/or in the decorative layer is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1, preferably 1:2 to 10:1, more preferably 1:1 to 5:1 or 1:2 to 2:1, even more preferably 1:1 to 3:1 or 1:2 to 1:1 and most preferably 1:1 to 2:1.

In a preferred embodiment, the weight proportion of water in the decorative layer and/or the artificial leather is at least 1% by weight, more preferably at least 2% by weight, even more preferably at least 5% by weight, even more preferably at least 10% by weight and most preferably at least 15% by weight, but preferably not more than 30% by weight. Preferably, the weight ratio of binder to humectant in the artificial leather and/or in the decorative layer is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1, preferably 1:2 to 10:1, preferably 1:1 to 5:1, even more preferably 1:1 to 3:1 and most preferably 1:1 to 2:1.

In the event that the synthetic leather comprises a separate carrier layer, this can strengthen the structural strength of the composite and ensure good processability, especially when the layer composite is sewn.

In a preferred embodiment, the artificial leather or the textile carrier layer comprises a fiber material or, in the case of the carrier layer, can also consist of this, wherein the form of the fiber material is selected from the group consisting of fleece, woven fabric, knitwear, braids or mixtures of the aforementioned.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the filling material is a fiber material which is arranged at least partially, preferably completely, within the binder, wherein this fiber material is in the form of a textile structure, such as a fleece, woven fabric, knitwear, braids or mixtures of the aforementioned.

Fleece, woven fabrics, knitwear, braids or mixtures of the above are textile materials that are made up of fibres but differ from one another in the arrangement of the fibres.

According to the invention, nonwoven is understood to be a structure made of fibers of limited length, continuous fibers (filaments) or cut yarns of any kind and of any origin, which have been joined together in some way to form a fiber layer and connected to one another in some way. This excludes the crossing or entanglement of yarns, as occurs in weaving, knitting, lace making, braiding and the manufacture of tufted products. This definition corresponds to the DIN EN ISO 9092 standard. According to the invention, the term nonwoven also includes felt materials. However, films and papers are not considered nonwoven materials.

The nonwovens are preferably anisotropic nonwovens, i.e. those with fiber orientation. This can produce an anisotropic mechanical behavior of the layer composite, thereby increasing its tear resistance.

According to the invention, fabric is understood to mean a textile fabric consisting of two thread systems, warp (warp threads) and weft (weft threads), which, when viewed on the fabric surface, cross in a pattern at an angle of exactly or approximately 90°. Each of the Both systems can be made up of several types of warp or weft (e.g. ground, pile and filling warp; ground, binding and filling weft). The warp threads run lengthways through the fabric, parallel to the fabric edge, and the weft threads run crossways, parallel to the fabric edge. The threads are connected to the fabric primarily by friction. In order for a fabric to be sufficiently slip-resistant, the warp and weft threads usually have to be woven relatively tightly. This is why, with a few exceptions, the fabrics also have a closed appearance. This definition corresponds to the standard DIN 61100, Part 1.

The fibre material is particularly preferably a short fibre material.

According to the invention, the terms woven fabric and nonwoven fabric also include textile materials that have been tufted. Tufting is a process in which yarns are anchored into a woven fabric or nonwoven fabric using a machine powered by compressed air and/or electricity.

According to the invention, knitwear is understood to mean textile materials that are made from thread systems by forming stitches. This includes both crocheted and knitted materials.

For the purposes of the invention, braiding is understood to mean the regular intertwining of several strands of flexible material. The difference to weaving is that in braiding the threads are not fed at right angles to the main product direction.

The fibres of the nonwovens, woven fabrics, knitwear, braids or mixtures thereof can be natural fibres, chemical fibres or mixtures of the above.

Preferably, the fibers are of plant, animal or mineral origin or chemical fibers made from natural polymers or polymers based on natural raw materials. This can improve the proportion of natural components in the layer composite and thus its sustainability and biodegradability. Fibers of plant, animal or mineral origin, i.e. natural fibers, are preferred.

The natural fibers are preferably selected from the group consisting of seed fibers, bast fibers, leaf fibers and animal fibers. They are particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of cotton, animal wool, animal hair, silk, kapok, akon, poplar fluff, bamboo fiber, fiber nettle, hemp, hemp nettle, hemp bast, jute, urena, cactus fiber, banana fiber, linen, ramie, kenaf, roselle, sunns, abutilon, pung, castor oil plant, sisal, abaca, curaua, fibe, ixtle fiber, arenga, afrik, hequen, fique, phormium, alfa, maguey, yucca, pita, coconut, broom, hops, cattail reed and bast. The chemical fibers are preferably selected from natural polymers or polymers based on natural raw materials. They are particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of viscose, modal, lyocell, curpo, cellulose acetates, protein fibers such as casein fibers, polylactides, alginates, chitin, bio-based polyamides, polyesters and polyisoprenes.

In a further embodiment, the chemical fibers are made of synthetic polymers selected from the group consisting of polyesters such as PET or PBT, polyamide, polyimide, polyamideimide, aramid, poly(metha)acrylates, modyacryl, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene, polypropylene, polychloride, PVC, elastane, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl alcohol, vinylal, polyphenyl sulfide, melamine, polyurea, polyurethane, polybenzimidazole, polybenzoxal.

The thickness of the possible textile carrier layer is in a preferred embodiment 0.1 to 10 mm, more preferably 0.1 to 5 mm, particularly preferably 0.1 to 2 mm, most preferably 0.2 to 1 mm.

The basis weight (grammage) of the artificial leather and/or the carrier layer is in a preferred embodiment 50 to 500 g/m ² , more preferably 65 to 300 g/m ² , particularly preferably 80-200 g/m ² , most preferably 90-150 g/m ² . A low basis weight allows particularly light artificial leather to be produced.

The artificial leather can have several layers. These are preferably selected from the group consisting of carrier, decorative, adhesive and cover layers. The layer composite particularly preferably has one or more additional decorative layers that are arranged between the carrier and an optional cover layer. In a preferred embodiment, the additional layers are arranged on both sides of the carrier layer. In this context, the symmetrical arrangement of the layers in relation to the carrier layer is particularly preferred, for example a layer sequence: 1st cover layer, 1st decorative layer, carrier layer, 2nd decorative layer, 2nd cover layer.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, such a layered composite has only adhesive layers as additional layers. In another preferred embodiment, the layered composite has no further layers apart from carrier and decorative layers.

In a preferred embodiment, the individual thicknesses of these additional layers are 0.1 to 10 mm, more preferably 0.2 to 8 mm, particularly preferably 0.5 to 5 mm, most preferably 0.8 to 3 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the basis weight (grammage) of the additional layers is 50 to 200 g/m ² , more preferably 65 to 300 g/m ² , particularly preferably 80 to 200 g/m ² , most preferably 90 to 150 m ² . A low basis weight allows particularly light layer composites to be produced.

In a preferred embodiment, such a layered composite can have one or more adhesive layers. The adhesive of the adhesive layers can be chemically hardening and/or physically setting.

The adhesive of the adhesive layers is preferably selected from the group consisting of cyanoacrylates, methyl methacrylates, unsaturated polyesters, dispersion adhesives, solvent- or dispersion-containing wet adhesives, protein-based adhesives, hot melt adhesives, plastisols, epoxy adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, silicones, resins, in particular phenolic resins, polyimides, polysulfides, poly(meth)acrylates, polyvinyl acetates, rubbers and bismaleimides.

In order to produce the material in the most environmentally friendly way possible, protein adhesives are particularly preferred.

The adhesive is preferably cured by chemical hardening or solidification through cooling. This means that small amounts of solvents or dispersants can be used, or even no solvents or dispersants can be used at all. This is not only particularly sustainable, but the processing times and the bonding within the layer composite are usually also better.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the strength, in particular the tensile strength and/or the flexural strength, of one, several or all carrier layers and/or optional cover layer and/or optional adhesive layers is greater than that of the at least one decorative layer.

The tensile strength, also known as tear strength, is the maximum tensile stress that a body can withstand. It can be determined by a tensile test.

The bending tensile strength describes the maximum tensile stress that a body can withstand when subjected to bending. It can be determined using a 3- or 4-point bending tensile test. If, in an advantageous embodiment, the strength, in particular the tensile strength and/or the flexural strength, of one, several or all carrier layers and/or optional cover layers and/or optional adhesive layers is greater than that of the at least one decorative layer, the carrier and/or optional cover and adhesive layers can absorb the stresses that arise under mechanical stress, so that the at least one decorative layer does not break or only breaks under higher stress, which would cause disadvantageous cracks in the layer that determines the appearance.

Particularly preferably, the artificial leather and/or the decorative layer has a modulus of elasticity (tensile) of 2-3 GPa, more preferably ≤ 2 GPa, even more preferably ≤ 1.5 GPa, even more preferably ≤ 1 GPa and most preferably ≤ 0.5 GPa, but usually also ≥ 0.1 GPa.

An optional cover layer comprises or consists of a plastic, wax or protein material or a combination of rubber material and binding agent or a mixture of the aforementioned. It essentially serves to protect a decorative layer arranged underneath from external influences such as moisture, abrasion and/or radiation. It therefore preferably covers at least 50% of the surface of the underlying layer, preferably more than 70%, more preferably more than 80% and most preferably more than 90%.

When there are very high demands on strength, water resistance and abrasion resistance, plastic materials are preferred. According to the invention, this includes all materials that consist of macromolecules of natural or synthetic origin.

In a preferred embodiment, the plastic comprises or consists of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polyamide (PA), polyester, in particular polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene oxides, polyphenylene oxides, thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), polyamides, ... Polyether ketone, polyvinyl chloride, polylactide, polysiloxane, phenolic resins, epoxy resins, poly(imide), bismaleimide triazine, thermoplastic polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polylactide (PLA), polyhydrobutyric acid (PHB), copolymers and/or mixtures of the aforementioned polymers. PE, PET, PU and PA are particularly preferred. The filling material itself can also - for example in a single-layer design - comprise one of the above materials or consist of this or these. The plastic is preferably used in the form of a film. According to the invention, this is understood to mean a flat plastic material produced in webs with a layer thickness of < 5 mm, preferably < 1 mm.

If high demands are placed on feel, smell and appearance, a top layer made of protein material or wax is preferred.

According to the invention, wax is understood to mean natural or artificially obtained substances that can be kneaded at 20 °C, are solid to brittle-hard, have a coarse to fine crystalline structure, are translucent to opaque in color but not glassy, melt above 40 °C without decomposing, are slightly liquid above the melting point, i.e. not very viscous, have a consistency and solubility that is highly dependent on temperature and can be polished under light pressure. This corresponds to the definition according to Römpp Chemie Lexikon, 10th edition, 1999 Georg Thieme Verlag.

When it comes to waxes, a distinction can be made between natural waxes, chemically modified waxes and synthetic waxes. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wax material is selected from the group of natural waxes, particularly preferably from the group of vegetable waxes, in particular candelilla wax, carnauba wax, Japan wax, esparto grass wax, cork wax, guaruma wax, rice germ oil wax, sugar cane wax, ouricury wax, montan wax.

In another preferred embodiment, the natural wax is selected from the group consisting of animal waxes and mineral waxes, in particular from the group consisting of beeswax, shellac wax, spermaceti, lanolin (wool wax), rump fat, ceresin, ozokerite (earth wax).

Natural waxes offer the advantage that they are not petroleum-based and thus contribute to the sustainability and biodegradability of the layer composite.

In another embodiment, the wax is selected from the group consisting of chemically modified waxes or synthetic waxes, in particular from the group selected from montan ester waxes, sasol waxes, paraffins, hydrogenated jojoba waxes, polyalkylene waxes, polyethylene glycol waxes. In a further preferred embodiment, the optional cover layer of the artificial leather comprises or consists of a protein material. These are preferably proteins of plant origin. Proteins contained in lupins, soy, peas, linseed, wheat, corn and/or rapeseed are particularly preferred.

In a further embodiment, the proteins are of animal origin, with gelatin, casein, whey proteins and/or their derivatives being particularly preferred.

The advantage of a protein top layer is that the costs for producing the protein layer are very low and that it is harmless to health. The layer can also be processed without organic solvents, i.e. water-based. It should also be emphasized that the protein top layer consists of renewable raw materials that are biodegradable and self-adhesive.

The thickness of the optional cover layer is in a preferred embodiment 5 μm to 1 mm, more preferably 10 μm to 0.5 mm, particularly preferably 20 μm to 0.1 mm, most preferably 50 μm to 0.1 mm.

The optional top layer can - like the decorative layer - also contain additives such as dyes, UV filters, binders or other fillers. By adding additives and fillers, the properties of the layers can be changed, in particular color, strength and manufacturing price.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover layer comprises or consists of a combination of binding agent, preferably agar-agar, a rubber material, preferably dextrin, and a humectant. Such a cover layer gives the layer composite a particularly high scratch resistance. The cover layer can also help to improve the color fastness of the layers arranged underneath.

The invention further encompasses various uses of the artificial leather according to the invention as well as articles comprising the artificial leather according to the invention.

The artificial leather is stable, lighter than animal leather, scratch-resistant and water-repellent. It can therefore preferably be used as a material for clothing and fashion accessories. According to the invention, clothing is the totality of all materials that, as an artificial covering, surrounds the human body more or less tightly. This also includes headgear, in particular hats and shoes. According to the invention, fashion accessories are understood to be accessories for clothing. These are preferably belts, gloves, fans, sun hats, or umbrellas, bags, scarves and jewelry, especially watch straps. All of these materials can comprise the synthetic leather according to the invention.

The artificial leather can also be used for coverings and for upholstery for furniture and in particular for automotive equipment. The present invention therefore also relates to coverings and upholstery comprising the artificial leather according to the invention. This particularly preferably involves upholstery and coverings for the interior of motor vehicles, in particular the upholstery of seats and fittings.

In a preferred embodiment, the binder of the artificial leather and/or the decorative layer has a transmission in the visible wavelength range of ≥ 30%, preferably ≥ 50%, more preferably ≥ 70% and most preferably ≥ 90%. This enables the optical properties of the filling material, e.g. the tobacco or the inorganic salt, to emerge particularly well.

In a further preferred embodiment, the transmission of both the binder of the artificial leather and/or the transmission of the textile carrier layer and/or the binder of the decorative layer in the visible wavelength range is ≥ 30%, preferably ≥ 50%, more preferably ≥ 60% and most preferably ≥ 80%. This makes it possible to obtain an artificial leather that can be backlit particularly well and can therefore be used in various applications in the lighting sector, for example as a lampshade or in the interior of a motor vehicle.

The invention also includes a process for producing the artificial leather, which comprises the following steps:

A) Mixing the following components to obtain a mixture of substances: i. a binder, ii. a filler material comprising an inorganic salt and/or a fiber material and/or lignin and/or a combination of plant leaf material and a gum material such as starch gum, and iii. a humectant, iv. optionally: organic or inorganic solvent.

B) Applying the mixture evenly to a non-adhesive surface. Optional: Drying of the substance mixture, i.e. removal of solvent contained in the substance mixture until constant weight (i.e. less than 0.1% weight loss per hour when dried at 50 °C) occurs, preferably at a temperature ≥ 30 °C.

Optional: Remove the preferably dry mixture from the non-adhering surface.

The invention also includes a method for producing an artificial leather in the form of a layered composite, which comprises the following steps:

A) Applying the following components, preferably as a mixture, to a textile carrier layer in order to obtain a decorative layer arranged on the carrier layer, which preferably covers a flat side of the carrier layer by ≥ 90%: i. a binder, li. a filler material comprising an inorganic salt and/or lignin and/or a combination of plant leaf material and a rubber material such as starch gum, and ill. a humectant, iv. optionally: organic or inorganic solvent.

Optional: Drying of the layer composite, i.e. removal of solvent contained in the layer composite, until constant weight (i.e. less than 0.1% weight loss per hour when dried at 50 °C) occurs, preferably at a temperature ≥ 30 °C.

According to the invention, application means the creation of a firm connection between the layers. This can be done, for example, by gluing, hardening a layer, needling or 3D printing.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a transfer film is used in the manufacturing process.

In a preferred embodiment, an already hardened layer, such as a hardened, ie set, decorative layer, can be applied to the carrier layer. To produce a hardened decorative layer, the above components can preferably be applied as a mixture to a non-adhesive substrate in order to form a continuous layer. After the binding agent has set, e.g. by physical drying or chemical cross-linking, the resulting decorative layer is removed from the substrate and applied to the carrier layer. The application can be done by applying adhesive to the carrier layer and/or the already hardened decorative layer, placing the decorative layer on the carrier layer and pressing the layers together, preferably under pressure. Alternatively and/or additionally, the layers can be needled.

In another preferred embodiment, the binder can be applied to the textile carrier layer in its uncured form, so that after application it cures, i.e. solidifies, through physical (e.g. evaporation of a solvent) and/or chemical processes (e.g. cross-linking, polymerization or oxidation) and a firm but flexible decorative layer is formed. The binder is preferably applied to the textile carrier layer in a solvent, which preferably also comprises the other components, i.e. filler material and humectant. The curing of the binder preferably takes place at a temperature ≥ 30 °C, particularly preferably ≥ 50 °C.

The curing of the composition of binder, filler and humectant and the formation of the artificial leather and/or the decorative layer can also take place under the influence of increased temperatures, pressure and/or radiation.

If the layer composite according to the invention is to have an optional cover layer, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, a polyethylene layer can be glued onto the decorative layer in a laminating system for paper products.

In another embodiment of the invention, a composition that still needs to be cured can be applied to the decorative layer, from which the optional top layer is formed. For example, one or more waxes can be applied to the decorative layer, which harden on the decorative layer.

Curing of the composition and the formation of an optional top layer can also occur under the influence of elevated temperatures, pressure and/or radiation.

In another embodiment of the invention, the layers are additionally needled. Needled layers have the advantage that the permeability, for example for gases such as water vapor, can be significantly increased.

Since the carrier layer is usually supplied as a continuous web, the layer composite can be produced in a continuous process, which represents a significant advantage over the discontinuous process of animal leather production. The cover layers for screen printing that are common in the textile sector have also been successfully tested as an optional cover layer. Cover layers that are made from water-based mixed systems for textile printing are particularly preferred in this context. These water-based mixed systems have a water-based binder, in particular a synthetic resin dispersion binder, which preferably has a transparency of ≥ 80% and/or contains other components such as pigments, adhesion promoters or fillers. Water-based mixed systems that are free of organic solvents or dispersants, phthalates, formaldehyde, alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates are particularly preferred. The water-based mixed systems are preferably label-free, non-toxic and skin-friendly.

After application to the decorative layer, the water-based mixed systems are preferably dried with the addition of heat and then heat-fixed at a temperature of 150-160°C. Fixing can be done with a transfer press, a drying tunnel, a hot air gun, an iron, an ironing press or in an oven. The fixing time at the above temperatures is 2-3 minutes.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the manufacturing process is carried out as shown below. First, the carrier layer is transported by rollers. In a subsequent area, a mixture of uncured binding agents, filler material and humectant is applied to the carrier layer, dried and optionally pressed. An additional cover layer can also be provided. If the cover layer is a plastic material in the form of a film, this can be glued on using a heated calender.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the process for producing the artificial leather in the form of a layered composite comprises at least one, preferably all of the following additional process steps:

B) dissolving and/or dispersing the filler material, the binder and the humectant in one or more aqueous solvents and/or dispersants before application to the carrier layer,

C) removing the one or more aqueous solvents and/or dispersion agents after application to the carrier or cover layer, preferably at elevated temperature and/or reduced pressure, so that the decorative layer is formed. Optionally:

D) needling and/or gluing at least two layers of the composite layer,

E) Embossing the decorative layer, preferably with a roller, calender or press.

In a preferred embodiment, steps A) to E) are carried out in the order A), B), C), D), E).

Embossing the decorative layer influences the surface structure and creates a layer that looks even closer to a natural leather layer. Such structuring can also be useful for concealing imperfections in the decorative layer. Such embossing is particularly advantageous when lignin or inorganic salts are used as filler material, as this can break up the usually relatively uniform appearance of the decorative layer.

In a preferred embodiment, the humectant may be the or one of the one or more aqueous solvents and/or dispersants.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, in which a combination of plant leaf material and rubber material is used as filling material, adhesive is applied to the plant leaf material and/or the carrier layer before the filling material is applied to the textile carrier layer. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly strong bond between the carrier and decorative layer.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the layers of the composite are pressed under increased pressure, wherein the pressing takes place in a transfer press and/or using increased temperatures.

In a preferred embodiment of the process, the aqueous solvent or dispersant comprises the binding agent, which is preferably selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, in particular agar-agar, pectin, xanthan, natural and synthetic resins, gelatin, alginate, chitosan, cellulose ether, modified starch, glue or mixtures of the aforementioned. Due to the binding agent, the composition of filler material, binding agent, humectant and solvent has a higher viscosity during this production process. This makes it easier to apply it to the carrier layer. This effect is particularly pronounced when the solvent or dispersant is a mixture of water and a polyhydric alcohol, in particular glycerin. In a preferred embodiment of the process, the aqueous solvent or dispersant therefore comprises an alcohol, preferably a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin, glycol, polyethylene glycol or polyethylene oxide.

EXAMPLES

The invention will now be further explained using concrete embodiments of artificial leathers according to the invention, in particular in the form of layered composites3, production examples and the attached figures.

In the following first versions, the artificial leather is designed in the form of a layered composite that has layers with the materials listed in the respective lines. The layers or the filling material have the material named in the respective lines or consist of it.

1. Versions with a combination of plant leaf material and rubber material as filling material of the decorative layer

. Ausführungen mit Lignin als Füllmaterial der Dekorschicht

. Ausführungen mit anorganischem Salz als Füllmaterial der Dekorechicht (optional enthalten: Feuchthaltemitel wie z. B.ein mehrwertiger Alkohol oderein Polvalkohol).

The binding agent in subsequent layered composites is preferably agar-agar. The humectant is preferably glycerin.

. Versions with lignin as filling material for the decorative layer

. Versions with inorganic salt as a filling material for the decorative layer (optionally includes humectants such as a polyhydric alcohol or a polyalcohol).

4. Versions with different decorative layers

The binding agent in subsequent layered composites is preferably agar-agar. The humectant is preferably glycerin.

5. Versions with additional layers The binding agent in the subsequent layered composites is preferably agar-agar. The humectant is preferably glycerine.

6. Single-layer designs In the following designs, the artificial leather is designed in the form of a single-layer material, which has subsequent filling material and binding agent and optionally a fiber material, in particular a hemp fiber material.

In the following embodiments, the artificial leather is in the form of a single-layer material which has a subsequent binding agent and additionally a fiber material, the form of which is specified below. The fiber material is preferably a hemp fiber material.

In the following versions, the artificial leather is in the form of a single-layer material, which has a subsequent binding agent and additionally a fiber material as well as another filling material.

In the following embodiments, the artificial leather is in the form of a single-layer material which comprises subsequent binding agent and additionally a fiber material, wherein the form of the fiber material is defined as follows.

Manufacturing example 1

50 g of rose petals are dispersed in 50 ml of a mixture of glycerine, dextrin and agar in water and, after decanting the solvent or dispersant, applied to a section of a flax fleece with a grammage of 100 g/m ^2. The aqueous solvent or dispersant is removed by air drying at 50°C in order to obtain a uniform decorative layer on the carrier layer.

Production example 2 50 g of flax short fibers are dispersed in 50 ml of a mixture of glycerine, dextrin and agar in water and, after decanting the solvent or dispersant, applied to a non-stick surface. The aqueous solvent or dispersant is dried in air at 50°C. removed to obtain a uniform layer of artificial leather.

Manufacturing example 3

50 g of iron oxide are dispersed in 50 ml of a mixture of glycerine, dextrin and agar in water and, after decanting the solvent or dispersant, applied to a non-stick surface. The aqueous solvent or dispersant is removed by air drying at 50 °C to obtain a uniform layer of artificial leather.

Short description of the figure:

Fig. 1: schematic sectional view of an artificial leather according to the invention in the form of a layer composite with carrier and decorative layer.

Fig. 2: Schematic sectional view of an artificial leather according to the invention in the form of a layer composite with carrier, decorative and cover layer.

Fig. 3: Schematic sectional view of an artificial leather according to the invention in the form of a layer composite with carrier, decorative, 2nd decorative and cover layer.

Fig. 4: Schematic sectional view of an artificial leather according to the invention in the form of a single-layer material.

List of reference symbols:

1 carrier layer

2 decorative layer (inorganic salt as filling material)

3 Top layer

4 2. Decorative layer (tobacco and dextrin as filling material)

5 Single layer synthetic leather

Detailed description of the figure:

Fig. 1 shows the layer structure of a layer composite according to the invention, which has a carrier layer 1 and a decorative layer 2. The decorative layer 2 comprises an inorganic salt as a filler material. Fig. 2 shows the layer structure of a layer composite according to the invention, which has a carrier layer 1, a decorative layer 2 and a cover layer 3. The decorative layer 2 comprises an inorganic salt as a filler material. Fig. 3 shows the layer structure of a layer composite according to the invention, which has a carrier layer 1, a decorative layer 2, a cover layer 3 and an additional second decorative layer 4, which is arranged between the decorative layer 2 and the cover layer 3. The decorative layer 2 comprises an inorganic salt as a filler material. The additional 2nd decorative layer comprises a combination of tobacco and dextrin as a filler material. The cover layer 3 has been connected to the second decorative layer by an adhesive (indicated by a droplet representation).

Fig. 4 shows a single-layer version of an artificial leather according to the invention. The layer comprises an inorganic salt as a filling material.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Artificial leather comprising the following components: i. a binder, ii. a filling material comprising an inorganic salt and/or a fiber material and/or lignin and/or a combination of vegetable leaf material and a rubber material, and iii. optionally: a humectant. 2. Artificial leather according to claim 1, wherein the artificial leather comprises a humectant selected from the group consisting of glycerin, polydextrose, sorbitol, polyhydric alcohols and polyalcohols such as 1,2-propanediol, glycol or alditols, aloe vera gel, honey, lithium chloride, molasses, xylitol, hydroxycarboxylic acids, triacetin, quillaja extract, urea, pantolactone or mixtures of the aforementioned. 3. Artificial leather according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inorganic salt is selected from the group consisting of iron oxide, titanium dioxide, chalk, kaolin, marble powder, basalt powder, slate, clays and zeolite. 4. Artificial leather according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gum material is selected from gum arabic, gum tragacanth, gum karaya and gum starch. 5. Artificial leather according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the binder is a native, bio-based and/or biodegradable polymer. 6. Artificial leather according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the binder is selected from the group consisting of collagen, proteins, polysaccharides, agar-agar, agarose, chitosan, pectin, xanthan, natural and synthetic resins, gelatin, alginate, cellulose ether, modified starch, glue or mixtures of the aforementioned. 7. Artificial leather according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of binder to filler material is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1, preferably 1:2 to 2:1. 8. Artificial leather according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of binder to humectant is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1, preferably 1:2 to 2:1. 9. Artificial leather according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it has a single- or multi-layer structure. 10. Artificial leather according to claim 9, wherein the artificial leather has a multi-layer structure and comprises one or more adhesive layers. 11. Artificial leather according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber material is at least partially in the form of a fleece, preferably flax fleece, and/or a fabric, preferably natural fiber, chemical fiber or mixed fabric. 12. Artificial leather according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber material comprises or consists of a natural fiber. 13. Article of clothing comprising an artificial leather according to one of the preceding claims.