Specialist leather testing

Specialist Leather Testing

BLC is the market leader in leather testing. Established for over 90 years we have the technical pedigree in leather technology to ensure fast accurate solutions to technical, management or environmental leather problems. We offer specialist leather tests at our UKAS accredited testing laboratory that no other technical organisation will provide from mould spore determination, to free fatty acids and enzyme analysis. If its leather, skin, hide, collagen or related material then we can test it. BLC are leather experts and deliver a range of leather testing services.

BLC is one of the fastest testing laboratories in Europe and we aim to deliver results within 3-5 working days.

Please find below a comprehensive list of specialist leather tests:

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 fat liquors 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