The effect of conservation defects on the suede quality of double-face

Abstract

In this research, the effects of microorganisms on suede quality of double-face leather were examined. The bacterial numbers on salted sheepskin samples were found as 1.8x10(6)-4.3x10(7) cfu/g on solid medium and 1.9x10(6)-4.7x10(7) cfu/g on halophile medium containing 10-30% NaCl. However it was found that salted sheepskins contained 4.4x10(1)-2.0x10(4) cfu/g Of fungi. While 53-74% of halophilic bacteria and 39-58% of fungi showed proteolytic activity, 47-62% of halophilic bacteria and 35-54% of fungi showed lipolytic activity. It was observed that defective light stained areas on suede surface of finished double-face leathers were caused by microorganisms on salted sheepskins and that these defects correspond to 35% of the total double-face leathers amount. Consequently, it was decided that the proteolytic and lipolytic activities of microorganisms on the flesh side of the sheepskins decreased the suede quality and caused economical losses.