3.4. Evaluation of physical properties of leather
The results between the chemical and enzyme processed
leathers were compared. It was found that the enzyme processed
leather has a better tensile strength (220 kg/cm
2
), better percentage
elongation (81%) and tear strength (71 kg/cm
2
) as compared to
the chemical processed leather, (Table 4).
The strength properties of the leather obtained from the
enzyme mediated process were better compared with conven-
tionally (chemical) processed leathers. Fullness, grain smoothness
and grain tightness of the leather from the enzyme
mediated process are also better than the conventionally processed
leather. Softness and general appearances of the leather
from the rationalized process are comparable to the conventionally
processed leather (Fig. 5A). In addition to this, the skin