Difference between revisions of "Breathability of leather"
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==The breathability of leather== | ==The breathability of leather== | ||
| − | Breathability is one of the special properties of [[leather]], which | + | Breathability is one of the special properties of [[leather]], which no other substitute material exudes. The ability to push out moisture in the form of vapour is one of the main characteristics of leather and what makes it unique. Especially in [[Leather shoes|shoes]], this is extremely essential. 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, | + | The ability to absorb sweat and humidity, and push this out, is also noticeable on [[Car leather|car seats]] and [[leather furniture]] and is better than on [[imitation 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 | + | 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 heavily [[finish|pigmented]] [[car leather]]. Also other [[leather quality|quality features]] such as firmness, colour 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|colour 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 vapour permeability. However, breathability of such leathers is still substantially high when compared to [[Imitation leather|artificial leather]]. |
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| − | ''Microscope photograph of the surface of an [[aniline leather]]. The [[Porous leather| | + | ''Microscope photograph of the surface of an [[aniline leather]]. The [[Porous leather|pores]] of the skin are clearly visible, and they are not covered by a [[finish|colour layer]].''<br></p> |
<p> </p> | <p> </p> | ||
Revision as of 17:39, 13 November 2016
The breathability of leather
Breathability is one of the special properties of leather, which no other substitute material exudes. The ability to push out moisture in the form of vapour is one of the main characteristics of leather and what makes it unique. Especially in shoes, this is extremely essential. 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, and push this out, is also noticeable on car seats and leather furniture and is better than on imitation leather.
However, breathability is different depending on the type of leather. Sensitive, porous aniline leather has a significantly higher breathability than heavily pigmented car leather. Also other quality features such as firmness, colour 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 colour layer against stains and fading. This improves the durability and long-term appearance of the leather, but significantly reduces the vapour permeability. However, breathability of such leathers is still substantially high when compared to artificial leather.
Microscope photograph of the surface of an aniline leather. The pores of the skin are clearly visible, and they are not covered by a colour layer.
Leather with strong pigmentation.
The respiratory ability of leather is sometimes improved by perforating leather.
Additional information
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