Biochemistry and microbiology testing

• Cause of putrefaction and spoilage
• Efficacy of fungicides
• Enzyme strength estimation, using Lohlein Volhard and colorimetric methods

Comprehensive Analysis

• Chemical analysis of vegetable or chrome tanned leather
• Chemical analysis of chamois leather and water absorption
• Chemical analysis of pickled pelt
• Analysis of tan liquors (or extract) - SLTC procedure
• Comparison of dyestuffs
• Particle size of fatliquors and other solutions
• Standard evaluation of resin dispersion
• Carcinogenic amines in dyestuffs or leather

Effluent and water testing

• BOD
• Spectraphotometric COD
• PV
• Sulphide - gas displacement or ferricyanide method
• Sulphate
• Nitrate
• Total nitrogen/Ammonical nitrogen
• Chloride
• Solids - Suspended/Soluble/Total
• Grease
• pH
• Estimation of metals, eg, calcium, chromium, magnesium, phosphorous

Fastness tests

• Light fastness (to Standard 6 on the Blue Wool Scale)
• Rub fastness (wet & dry) (marring + transfer SLF 5)
• Cold crack of finish
• Finish adhesion (wet & dry) SLF 11, or PU adhesive
• Perspiration or water fastness
• Dry cleaning test (SDC Test)
• Wash fastness IUF 423
• Water spotting SLF 9
• Martindale abrasion
• Taber abrasion
• PVC migration

Microscopy

• Understanding fibre structure to improve process efficiency
• Fault diagnosis of stains, poor strength, softness etc

Identification of additives or contaminants

• Formaldehyde
• Paranitrophenol
• TCMTB (2-thiocyanomethlthio)-benzothiazole
• HCH (Lindane)
• Other fungicides/pesticides
• Identification and causes of fatty spues
• Identification of sperm oil
• Supply and analysis of 3M vapour monitors
• Leather analysis of atmospheric isocyanates (HSA method)

Individual chemical tests 

• Leather moisture content SLC 3
• Water (Dean and Stark) (raw material or oil)
• Hide substance or volatile nitrogen (Kjeldahl method)
• Hydroxyproline assay for collagen content of leather
• Water solubles on degreased leather SLC 5:1966
• pH of aqueous extract SLC 13:1966
• SAWS
• Sulphated total ash SLC 6
• Grease (dichloromethane, unless otherwise specified) SLC 4:1966, and free fatty acids
• Silicone
• Salt or salt on hide substance (pickled pelt or raw hide)
• Metals in leather, tanning materials etc by atomic absorption (AA)
• Cr2O3 SLC 8:1966
• Basicity of chrome sulphate powders/liquors
• Unsaponifiable matter in leather oil
• Iodine value in leather oil
• MacKay test
• Flash point

Ignitability Tests

• Vertical flame test
• BS 5852: Test for ignitability of upholstered seating

Physical tests

• Shrinkage temperature (water or glycerol/water) SLP 18
• Lastometer or tear strength SLP 9 or SLP 7
• Tensile and elongation at break SLP6
• Crack index SLP 8
• Flex test (wet or dry) (IULTCS or SATRA apparatus)
• Sole abrasion
• Scuff SLP 16
• Water resistance - any type
• Water vapour permeability SLP 25
• Water vapour absorption leather
• Water penetration pressure leather
• Water absorption SLP 21
• Perspiration resistance (shrinkage)
• Other automotive tests available on request