| Abstract: | The sorption of sulphur dioxide by a wide range of leather samples has been investigated at a concentration of ～ 100 μg/m3 using sulphur-35 dioxide. In general, the sulphur dioxide was sorbed evenly over the leather surfaces, the sorbed sulphur being water-soluble. The position on the hide from which the leather was taken had no significant effect on the amount of sulphur dioxide sorbed. The total uptake of the gas was reduced by the application of a finish and by dyeing. The penetration of sulphur dioxides into the samples was influenced by the nature of the organic retanning process used, condensed tannins leading primarily to surface sorption. Leather greases were also shown to reduce penetration of sulphur dioxide. Some implications of these results in the degradation of leathers by atmospheric sulphur dioxide are discussed. |
