Effect of the Morphology of Leather Surface on the Hydrophobic-Hydrophilic Properties

摘要

Natural leathers (split, velour split, nubuck) ware investigated. Solution of fluorine silane in ethanol was applied as the hydrophobic agent. It is shown that the microstructure of the leather surface, provided its structural elements possess hydrophilic properties, determines the wetting regime and duration of the induction period of changeover from heterogeneous to homogeneous wetting. The heterogeneous regime of wetting is distinguished by low rates of spreading and absorbing. The homogeneous wetting is characterized by high rates of spreading and absorbing of a water drop. A necessary condition of the stable heterogeneous wetting regime and achieving hydrophobicity of leather with structurally inhomogeneous face layer is to preserve the microstructure features of their surface at hydrophobic treatment. The morphological peculiarities of split and ground leather ensure stable hydrophobic properties after application of efficient hydrophobizators.