Abstract

Leather samples were modified by Ag and Zn+O ion implantation using a metal vapour vacuum arc (MEVVA) implanter. The ions were implanted at an accelerating voltage of 30kV and with 1 x 1014, 1 x 1015 and 1 x 1016 ions/cm2 fluences, and results were compared with an unimplanted control group. The surface morphologies of the samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The physical properties (tensile strength and tear load), CIE lab colour analysis, contact angle measurements and FTIR were also examined. The results showed that this technique can fulfill expectations of better quality and, environmentally friendly and waterproof leather processing.