Fatli quoring and its influence on leather

Minerals oils
The comparative performance of mineral and fat oils as components of fatliquoring oils has received very little attention in publication dealing with leather lubrication. The most important contribution in this connection was made by Kappenhoeffer. Subsequently, he reviewed the use of minerals oils in leather lubrication in a general manner. In the original work, a study was made with of the step-wise replacement of raw cod oil with mineral oil in a sulfated cod oil preparation. These studies include a chemical examination of the deposition of oil in the fat liquored calf skin leather, a determination of the basic physical characteristics of the leather and exacting visual examination of the character of the leather. As a result of these studies, the following conclusion were reached
1. As the proportion of mineral oil is increased in fat liquoring oil, slightly improved emulsive properties result.
2. A high concentration of mineral oil reduces the combined oil content due probably to the less reactive character of the mineral oil as compared to cod oil.
3. As the proportion of mineral oil in a fatliquoring oil is increased at the expense of the raw fatty oil, the deposition of the free oil in the leather is altered is as follows:
a. A considerable reduction of the quantity of oil in the base or flesh division is obtained
b. A corresponding increase in the amount of oil deposited in the grain results.
c. The quantity of oil which penetrates into the corium increased greatly.
4. As the proportion of mineral oil in the total fatliquoring oil increases, the tear and tensile strength increases at first, and then gradually decreases with high proportions of mineral oil.
5. The stretch of the leather decr3ease with high percentages of mineral oil.
6. Raw mineral oil as compared to raw cod oil possesses a greater ability to soften leather. This can be attributed to its greater penetrating quality.
7. From a strictly lubricating standpoint, mineral oil appears to be as effective as typical fatty oil such as cod oil. It differs decidedly, in its manner of distribution, which is reflected in the physical properties of the processed leather. Its value, in effect would depend on the quantity employed, and the type of leather being processed.
As a result of this study, it is indicated that with in limits on some specific leather, the use of mineral oil in a blend can actually be beneficial.