Abstract

Inert polymer spheres, when used within processing floats, enhance the uptake of chemicals and products used in leather manufacture. The same float volume can be maintained, but with less water, hence increased chemical concentrations.

This is useful in neutralising, retanning, dyeing and fatliquoring processes, especially where the chemical costs are high, and the materials complex. These applications enable production of the same types of leathers, but from lower chemical offers. It provides significant reductions in unused products, normally discharged for effluent treatment.