The Influence of Microwave Drying on Leather Properties

The microwave irradiation and oven were used to dry goat garment leather crust, then the influence of different drying method on leather was compared by testing the mechanical properties, shrinkage temperature, softness, microstructure, dielectric constant and the uniformity of chrome tanning agent and fatliquoring agent. The results indicated that microwave drying would not damage the collagen structure, however the shrinkage temperature, softness and mechanical properties of microwave dried leather were improved, and the uniformity of chrome tanning agent and fatliquoring agent were also promoted. Moreover, the higher dielectric constant of microwave dried leather was observed compared with traditional dried leather together with much more order and dispersive arrangement of collagen weaving. The difference between microwave dried leather and oven dried leather proved not only thermal effect but also non-thermal effect existed during microwave drying process which could promote the interaction and combination between collagen and polar chemical materials. These effects both had positive contribution to leather comprehensive properties.