Uses and Applications of Microscopy in the Leather Industry - A Practical Approach to Process Control and Leather Manufacture

摘要

Microscopy has a wide range of applications within the leather industry. Recent research carried out by BLC and industrial technical problems received by the organization have highlighted the usefulness of microscopy, for monitoring and developing leather processes, fault diagnoses and process control. Currently, BLC routinely uses three types of microscopes: a stereo observation microscope, a conventional light microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The stereo microscope provides instant information on the general characteristics of samples with minimal sample preparation. The ability to view whole samples has enabled problems to be solved and processes checked within a matter of minutes. Sample preparation is slightly more involved for the light microscope as sections are required. The sections can be selectively stained to highlight skin and processing components, allowing their breakdown/removal from and penetration into the skin structure to be followed. The SEM provides a wider magnification range than the other two techniques. Conventionally, samples had to be dry in order to be assessed using the SEM. A relatively recent addition to this instrument is the cryo-chamber which now enables the analysis of "wet" samples to take place. This technique has been used by BLC to follow opening up, fatliquor location and the effect of enzymes on fat cells. Microscopy analysis has also been linked to analytical techniques such as x-ray analysis and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to provide additional information on the chemical nature of samples.