Abstract

Finishing is the process in which a polymeric coating is applied in order to improve the appearance and resistance of leather products. The applications at this stage greatly affect the use and appeal of the final product. In this study, the effect of different coating compositions on the physico-mechanical properties of leather was investigated. For this purpose, three different types of finishing formulations including semi-aniline, lightly pigmented and opaque finishes having different covering powers rated from light to heavy, respectively, were applied to the leathers and results were compared with uncoated counterparts. The findings of the study revealed that the application of lightly pigmented finishing statistically increased the tensile strength, single and double edge tear loads, and stitch tear resistance of the leather to a large extent. Semi-aniline and opaque finishing gave lower or, in some cases, statistically insignificant increases in the physico-mechanical properties of the leathers.