Abstract

The degree of correlation between various upper leather physical test parameters has been examined in a set of experimental leathers obtained from controlled growth/nutritional trials carried out on a specific crossbreed. Results indicated that various stress-stress, strain-strain and stress-strain parameters were interrelated to a significant extent and, hence, reflected the same basic properties of the leather fibre structure. Predictive value varied depending on the particular correlation. Slaughter age (mass) was the predominant biological factor affecting full-grain leather strength and extensibility in the experimental leathers. Strength and extensibility decreased in more mature leathers with development of thicker corium major fibre bundles with less interweaving, a more vertical weave angle and increase in grain-to-corium (major) layer ratio. Significant correlation between key upper leather test parameters provides a basis for mutual adjustment of minimum performance guidelines to reconcile acceptance limits in related tests.