Specialist leather testing from BLC

zip on leather jacket

BLC is the market leader in leather testing. We offer leather tests 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. Contact us for further details.

Please find below a comprehensive list of specialist tests available for leather.

Biochemistry and microbiology testing
Comprehensive analysis
Effluent and water testing
Fastness tests
Microscopy
Identification of additives or contaminants
Individual chemical tests
Ignitability tests
Physical tests
Hide powder for tannin testing

For information relating to leather or product testing or further details please contact info@blcleathertech.com or call +44 (0) 1604 679999.

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

Specialist Leather Tests