Abstract

A process is disclosed for preparing a suede leather product from animal hides. The hide is scalded before tanning and the finished product can be washed and ironed in a manner similar to a woolen garment. The hide is pretanned in formaldehyde, neutralized in sodium bicarbonate, tanned with a basic chrome solution, neutralized with sodium sulfate, and dyed with a direct color dye. More specifically, an outer suede product is obtained from the external corium of the skin, instead of the flesh side, with the result that less expensive sheepskin acceptable to the trade can be used in place of top grade kidskin and goatskin suedes. In a preferred practice of the method, the hide is burnt twice in scalding steps carried out in a swelling state, soon after first and second fleshing steps and, prior to a bating step. The burning affects the entire thickness of the fibrous grain layer by exposing the upper layer of the corium by soaking the hide in the third solution of sodium sulfide after a third fleshing step. The process obtains a soaped-water washable skin capable of maintaining a soft condition and avoiding fading of the dye. The washable condition is obtained by soaking the dyes, greased with egg yolk, in hot water.

Other References

• Rao, et al, Leather Science, 14, pp. 65-72 (1967)
• Smith, P., Principles and Processes of Light Leather Manufacture, Chemical Publishing Co., pp. 238-239, N.Y. (1942)
• Davis, C. T., The Manufacture of Leather, Henry Carey & Baird & Co., London (1897) pp. 150-151