Abstract

Asynthetic sulphited polymer based on a urea – paraformaldehyde condensate has been prepared to be used as pre and retanning agent. The influence of the prepared polymer on buffalo leather was investigated and compared with the most commonly applied products, chrome tan with vegetable extract retannage. The properties of the treated leather, namely tensile strength, elongation at break, tear strength, deformability, scanning electron microscope examination, thermal stability and appearance were studied. These parameters were used to evaluate the polymer’s applicability as an efficient environment friendly tanning agent.