Abstract

In the paper, the ratio of spatial distribution of fibre in wet-blue leather obtained from the spinal region of adult pigskin is researched in both horizontal and vertical directions. Furthermore, the regularity of spatial distribution of fibre is further analysed by the Hurst exponent H. Such spatial structure analyses are essential to obtain true 3D data, including the shape, size and orientation of fibres. We demonstrate that the data sets can be obtained by serial paraffin sections using a series of improved techniques, such as serial-sectioning, SEM imaging and locating techniques. In the study, stacks of several hundred sections 4μm thick have been obtained to evaluate their spatial relationships. We find that the ratio of spatial distribution of fibre is always fluctuation in a narrow range in both horizontal and vertical directions in wet-blue leather. The information studied in the paper will be of central importance in leather structure research for providing a scientific path to analyse intrinsic leather strength and the process of chemical treatment.