Difference between revisions of "Breathability of leather"
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The ability to absorb sweat and humidity, but also the breathability, is also noticeable on [[Car leather|car seats]] and [[leather furniture]] and is better then on [[imitation leather]]. | The ability to absorb sweat and humidity, but also the breathability, is also noticeable on [[Car leather|car seats]] and [[leather furniture]] and is better then on [[imitation leather]]. | ||
| − | However, breathability is different depending on the [[type of leather]]. Sensitive, [[Leather hair pores - Hair follicles|porous]] [[aniline leather]] has a significantly higher breathability than strongly [[finish|pigmented]] [[car leather]]. Also other [[leather quality|quality features]] such as firmness, color fastness, [[Soiling behavior - Anti-Soiling|dirt resistance]] and overall longevity are important criteria for some applications of leather. For this purpose, the surface of [[smooth leather]] is protected by application of a [[finish|color layer]] against stains and [[Colour fastness - Light fastness of leather|fading]]. This improves the durability and long-term appearance of the leather, but significantly reduces the vapor permeability, which is still significantly better than that of [[artificial leather]]. | + | However, breathability is different depending on the [[Types of leather|type of leather]]. Sensitive, [[Leather hair pores - Hair follicles|porous]] [[aniline leather]] has a significantly higher breathability than strongly [[finish|pigmented]] [[car leather]]. Also other [[leather quality|quality features]] such as firmness, color fastness, [[Soiling behavior - Anti-Soiling|dirt resistance]] and overall longevity are important criteria for some applications of leather. For this purpose, the surface of [[smooth leather]] is protected by application of a [[finish|color layer]] against stains and [[Colour fastness - Light fastness of leather|fading]]. This improves the durability and long-term appearance of the leather, but significantly reduces the vapor permeability, which is still significantly better than that of [[Imitation leather|artificial leather]]. |
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| − | '' | + | ''Microscope photograph of the surface of an [[aniline leather]]. The [[Porous leather|open pores]] of the skin are clearly visible, which are not covered by a [[finish|colour layer]].''<br></p> |
<p> </p> | <p> </p> | ||
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| − | '' | + | ''Leather with strong [[finish|pigmentation]].'' |
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Revision as of 17:12, 5 November 2016
The breathability of leather
Breathability is one of the special properties of leather, which cannot yet be imitated with substitutes. It is the ability of the leather to let pass moisture in the form of vapor. Especially in shoes, this ability proves to be a blessing. In warm and waterproof hiking boots made of leather, you will never sweat as much as in rubber boots.
The ability to absorb sweat and humidity, but also the breathability, is also noticeable on car seats and leather furniture and is better then on imitation leather.
However, breathability is different depending on the type of leather. Sensitive, porous aniline leather has a significantly higher breathability than strongly pigmented car leather. Also other quality features such as firmness, color fastness, dirt resistance and overall longevity are important criteria for some applications of leather. For this purpose, the surface of smooth leather is protected by application of a color layer against stains and fading. This improves the durability and long-term appearance of the leather, but significantly reduces the vapor permeability, which is still significantly better than that of artificial leather.
Microscope photograph of the surface of an aniline leather. The open pores of the skin are clearly visible, which are not covered by a colour layer.
Leather with strong pigmentation.
The respiratory ability of leather is sometimes improved by perforating leather.
Additional information
a kotori web solution