Abstract

The leather chemist is concerned with many aspects of polymer science. Collagen is a high polymer and the tanning process is one of joining different polymer molecules together. High polymers such as amino-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde resins and dialdehyde starch have been used as tanning agents. Silicones and other impregnants are high polymers and resins finishes and adhesives contain them. The flexibility of leather and many of its properties are consequences of its high polymeric nature. The structure and properties of high polymers, and many other aspects of polymer science, are therefore of considerable importance to the leather chemist. This article is an attempt to survey some of the more important features of polymer science and the reasons why high polymers possess their sometimes unique physical and mechanical properties making, where possible, reference to polymers of importance to the leather chemist.