Comparable Evaluation of Leather Waterproofing Behaviour upon Hide Quality. II. Influence of Finishing on Leather Properties

Abstract

Unfinished leather has high water vapour permeability and low waterproofness because of its natural porous structure. To modify the surface appearance and hide any defects, to improve physical properties, such as light and rub fastness, resistance to water, solvents, abrasion, etc., leather needs to be finished. In this study the influence of waterborne finishing agents on the waterproofness and breathability of the hydrophobic leather obtained using different retanning, waterproofing, neutralization and dispersing agents has been investigated. The leather was characterized using morphological analysis and permeability studies. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.20.2.2339

Keywords

• leather
• finishing
• polymer coat
• breathability
• waterproofness