USE OF AN ELASTOMER FORMED IN-SITU FOR SOFTENING LEATHER

Poly (vinyl oleate) was used as a model compound in a continuing study of polymeric fatliquoring agents. It was emulsion-polymerized in-situ in retanned, non-fatliquored blue stock. The products showed apprecia ble improvements in mechanical properties, including increased elongat ion at failure and increased energy to break with no loss in tensile s trength. Lower levels of acoustic emission were observed in treated sa mples, indicating reduction in fiber adhesion. X-ray probe (EDX) micro analysis with the aid of osmium tetroxide was used to locate sites of unsaturation and polymerized vinyl oleate in the interior of the treat ed leather.