Abstract

The change in the mechanical properties of whole thickness samples and layers of cowhide, cut from the butt area, has been followed as fresh raw skin was tanned by a simple full chrome tannage. The effects of the same process have been observed at three areas of a calfskin. The stresses produced at 10% extension are greatly reduced by the tannage, to 25% of the raw skin value, but subsequent processes increase the stress to approximately the raw skin value. Processing was found not to alter the relative stresses of the layers in any of the locations tested.