Advances in the physical and chemical characterization of tanned leather

The tanning process significantly alters the physical and chemical properties of leather, making it durable and versatile for various applications. A comprehensive understanding of these transformations requires advanced characterization techniques to analyze the surface, structure, and chemical composition of tanned leather. This review provides a critical overview of the state-of-the-art methods employed to characterize tanned leather, including spectroscopy, microscopy, thermal analysis, and mechanical testing, as well as their applicability to investigate processing, quality control, characterization, and preservation of leather. Moreover, particular attention is given to innovative approaches that offer deeper insights into the structural and chemical modifications induced by tanning agents, processing and their potentialities in a broad-spectrum characterization of leather. Additionally, we discuss the applicability, advantages, and limitations of these techniques, highlighting their role in advancing leather science and enabling the development of more sustainable leather processing techniques. This work aims to serve as a reference for researchers and industry professionals, guiding the selection of appropriate characterization methods and fostering innovation in leather production and quality control.