The Chemical Degradation of Leather

Author: Larsen, René

Source: CHIMIA International Journal for Chemistry, Volume 62, Number 11, November 2008 , pp. 899-902(4)

Publisher: Swiss Chemical Society

Key:

- Free Content

- New Content

- Subscribed Content

- Free Trial Content

Abstract:

The chemical deterioration of vegetable tanned leather is caused by acid hydrolysis and oxidation due to environmental deteriorative factors like air pollutants, heat and light. In addition, the type of tannin material influences the rate of deterioration. The degree of deterioration can be measured by the fall in the shrinkage temperature (Ts) of the leather. New analysis of data shows that, although environmental factors have a generally larger influence on the deterioration, the average degree of oxidation is greater in older leathers and it significantly influences the Ts in these materials. Moreover, it is also shown that acid pollution is indicated in the relation between pH and the sulphate content measured in the leathers although ammonia is released by oxidation of amino acids and may influence the pH value in acid-damaged leathers.

Keywords: ACID HYDROLYSIS; DETERIORATION; OXIDATION; SHRINKAGE TEMPERATURE; VEGETABLE TANNED LEATHER

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2008.899

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$28.00 plus tax Refund Policy