German chemical company Lanxess is to introduce a range of new products at ACLE, which will be held in Shanghai from September 5 to 7. Products will include Retingan ZF, LubritanTM XB, XS and Tanigan SR-C as well as the new X-tra range of finishing products for upper and bag leathers.

Retingan ZF is a resin retanning material without free formaldehyde. Because of its low astringency, the retanning resin gives a smooth, fine and tight grain with high elasticity. Its selective filling effect for loosely structured parts of the hide is said to provide an excellent cutting yield, while the buffing properties result in a uniform, tight and short nap. Leathers treated with the resin have good lightfastness and resistance to heat yellowing and can also be used for white and non-pigmented leathers. Unlike retanning materials that contain emulsifiers, it is also suitable for use in the production of waterproof leathers. The product gives uniform embossing properties for producing fashionable furniture, automotive and shoe upper leathers.

Another retanning product that will be featured is the anionic, synthetic auxiliary Tanigan SR-C, which, in addition to having a dispersing and neutralising effect, is also a strong reducing agent – especially for free formaldehyde. Supplied in powder form, it can be used in the various stages of the retanning process, such as neutralisation, retannage and dyeing.

The dispersing and neutralising effect helps other retanning products to be distributed more uniformly in the leather and also leads to more level dyeings.

US-based chemical company Rohm and Haas Corporation has cooperated with Lanxess in the development of a technology that provides a waterproofing effect. It is based on the modified acrylic polymer Lubritan XB and Lubritan XS, a silicone polymer that improves the dynamic test values. This ‘open’ waterproofing technology produces lightweight leathers with a tight, dry, natural grain. The Rohm and Haas polymers, which are marketed by Lanxess, fix on the fibres without clogging the interstices, thus imparting a more natural and dry touch. The leathers have high water vapour permeability and the waterproofing effect is said to be long-lasting. Dyeing is uniform, with the same colour being obtained on both the grain and flesh sides. Furthermore, the acrylate content of the system facilitates adhesion of the finish. The new technology may also be more economical than closed waterproofing as there is no need for additional auxiliaries.

The new X-tra system includes several finishing specialties such as waxes, oils, polyurethanes and caseins which provide upper leathers with physical fastness properties.

The various finishing agents can be combined to produce the desired surface touch, lustre, weather resistance, light stability and flexibility. The X-tra products are also suitable for use on classical articles such as nappa and box leathers.