Further Studies on Foot Perspiration and Its Action on Footwear

Abstract

In continuation of previous work involving accentuated effects of perspiration on chrome upper leather, the present paper records observations of such effects in more complicated conditions.Thus, effects were studied at varying temperatures and pH of tans, buffered tans, buffered perspiration, buffered perspiration coupled with tans, buffering material itself and soap solutions.Particular reference is made to the influence of basicity on the stability of the chrome complex against perspiration in such buffered chemical systems. Brown grain leathers are considered as well as box and willow calf.A method is evolved for minimizing spueing risks or the formation of Glauber's salts in the vamps of worn footwear, by appropriate treatment of the skins before cutting up into shoe upper components.Finally, some foot-bath experiments and the dark, cracky grain of worn insoles are discussed from the general point of view of perspiratory action on footwear.The writer acknowledges with thanks the assistance of Messrs L. P. Huggett, B.Sc., A.I.C., and W. H. F. Jackman, B.Sc., A.I.C., in the routine analytical work. His best thanks are also due to the Director and Council of the Research Association for permission to publish.