Tanning Chemicals’ Influence in Leather Tensile and Tear Strength Review

Abstract

For over 100 years of tanning research, it is still arguable whether tanning chemicals weaken, strengthen or have an effect on the skin's original collagen fibers.

The current paper is a review of the literature regarding the impact of the tanning process on the mechanical properties of leather specifically, tensile and tear strength, that raises several questions about this topic. A call is made for the scientific and technical community to address these questions