Surface and Physicochemical Properties Studies of Six Commercial Fatliquors

摘要

Fatliquoring is a unit operation in leather processing, wherein an oil-in-water emulsion is used for the providing lubrication to the leather fibres and thereby imparting flexibility and strength to the final leather. There are varieties of fatliquors available in the market based on oils sourced from animal, vegetable or synthetic origin. Though, the science of fatliquoring is well established, the physicochemical properties of the commercial fatliquors are less explored. In the present study, the surface and physicochemical properties of six different categories of commercial fatliquors have been investigated using various techniques viz., conductometric, vis-cometric, tensiometric, particle size measurement and microscopic assessment. The data presented in this study will help to select a suitable fatliquor for designing a fatliquoring process for making better leather as well as leather products.