ӘРЛЕУДІҢ БЫЛҒАРЫ ҚҰРЫЛЫМЫНА ӘСЕРІН МИКРОСКОПИЯЛЫҚ ЗЕРТТЕУ ӘДІСІ АРҚЫЛЫ АНЫҚТАУ

Abstract

This scientific work was devoted to investigating the effect of the leather finishing process on its microstructure and chemical elemental composition. The study utilized samples of chrome-tanned semi-finished product (Wet blue) and ready-made, fully finished leather. The primary methods employed were Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and elemental analysis. The SEM method allowed for high-resolution observation of the morphology of collagen fibers, their density, and changes after processing (deformation, formation of the finish layer). It was established that during the transition from the Wet blue state to the finished leather, important elements such as Titanium (Ti), Silicon (Si), Aluminum (Al), and Phosphorus (P) were introduced into the composition. This proved that the leather underwent combined chrome-titanium tanning, was made hydrophobic using organosilicon compounds, and was dyed with a TiO₂-based pigment. The proportion of residual Sodium (Na) and Chlorine (Cl) in the finished leather significantly decreased compared to the Wet blue sample. Mechanical treatments during the finishing operations densified and smoothed the surface layer of the leather, thereby increasing its water resistance. However, although this deformation consolidated the collagen fibers and increased the overall strength of the leather, it was found to potentially reduce its natural elasticity.