The effect of lubricating acyrilic polymer on ageing of saddlery leathers

Vegetable tannins are used in the production of shoe upper, saddlery as well as heavy, firm and resistant leathers. They are viable ecological replacements of chromium and other inorganic tanning agents which show high hydrophilic character and sensitivity to rubbing and sunlight. To improve these properties, vegetable tanned leathers are treated with polymeric materials. In the study, accelerated ageing was applied to saddlery leathers treated with different amounts of lubricating acrylic polymer. The effect of ageing was determined in accordance with tensile and tear strength, water vapor permeability, color measurement, rubbing and light fastness in addition to morphological properties. It is found that the negative effect of ageing can be eliminated by 8% application of acrylic polymer.