Leather - Chemical determination of chromic oxide content - Part 1: Quantification by titration
Material
Industry
Our test laboratory performs accredited testing according to DIN EN ISO 5398-1 for the determination of the chromium oxide content in leather. Chrome tanning is one of the most important industrial leather manufacturing processes. The chromium oxide content serves as a characteristic parameter for assessing the tanning degree and chemical composition of chrome-tanned leather. Variations in chromium oxide content may influence certain material properties such as temperature resistance or physical performance.
Test Procedure
In the DIN EN ISO 5398-1 test, the leather specimen is first ashed in order to remove organic components. The residue is subsequently chemically digested. During the further course of the test, the chromium content is analytically determined and calculated as chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃). The standard forms part of a series of standards; other parts describe alternative analytical methods for chromium determination. Homogeneous sampling is important, as different leather areas may exhibit varying tanning agent distributions.
The test is particularly used for chrome-tanned automotive leather, upper leather for footwear, and upholstery leather. In the automotive sector, this includes seat covering materials and interior leather components. In combination with DIN EN ISO 4045 and DIN EN ISO 4047, a more comprehensive characterization of chemical material properties can be achieved.