Abstract

In this article, the topology of fibrils and the aggregate structure of leather fibres were characterised by TEM and SEM to reveal the effects of PAA on the different scale of the structure of leather. The results show that PAA has little influence on the collagen molecules array and collagen fibres aggregate structure in the wet state. But, during air-drying PAA observably influences the collagen fibres aggregate structure. After being PAA retanned, the air-dried leather fibres become thinner and the space between fibres increases.