Researches of Morphological Structure, Element Composition And Natural Leather Adsorption By Exposure to Laser Radiation

Abstract

Annotation. Scanning electron microscopy studied microphotographs of a longitudinal section of a bundle of collagen fibrils of the reticular layer of a leather tanning product of chromium tanning from cattle hides. The distribution of chrome tanning agent over the leather thickness in the initial sample was studied. The effect of laser exposure on the microstructure of the leather is investigated. It was found that laser irradiation (input energy 40 J, exposure time 40 sec) leads to a slight increase in pore size and loosening of its structure. It was established that in the process of laser radiation, collagen fiber bundles first swell with their own capillary moisture, then they are separated, i.e. they break up into individual microfibrils. An elemental analysis of the distribution of chromium over the leather cross section showed that the chromium compound penetrates the entire thickness of the leather, however, the chromium distribution varies significantly with thickness. The effect of laser radiation on the process of sorption-desorption of water by the leather is revealed. From the data obtained it was found that laser leather training changes its ability to adsorb water vapor and desorb moisture from the environment.