Leather chemists are scientists who apply their knowledge of chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology to develop the technology of leather production.
Leather manufacture is concerned with the conversion of raw cattle hide and sheepskins into the stable, useful and attractive product known as leather. Understanding this conversion process, called tanning, requires knowledge of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Microbiology.
Leather chemists are experts on the processing of all types of leather including the preservation of the hides, the tanning of the hides and the finishing of the leather. They also have expert knowledge of the quality tests that leather is subjected to.
A leather chemist can move into a senior supervisory and management position on the technical and production side
Satisfying Aspects
- working with leather and chemicals
- seeing the finished product
Demanding aspects
- the smells in the tannery
- daily routine can be monotonous at times
- the prohibitive cost of setting up one's own tannery
Requirements
A leather chemist should:
- have mathematical and scientific aptitude;
- be interested in chemistry and biochemistry;
- like to work with leather;
- be creative in solving problems;
- have initiative and originality;
- have interest in working with tanning machinery.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences
Training
Degree: BSc - Chemistry - RU, NWU, Wits, UJ, UP, UKZN, UZ, UNISA, UCT, UWC, NMMU, UFS, UV, US, or Biochemistry - US, UJ, UP, UKZN, UV, UZ, NMMU, RU.
The Leather Industries Research Institute at RU University offers a two-year diploma in Leather Science on a correspondence basis, with practical modules in each year of study at the Institute.
Employer
- Tanneries
- Companies that supply tanning materials to tanneries
- Leather Industries Research Institute
- SABS
- Self-employment, a leather chemist who specializes in high value leathers can start a business
Contact
The Director
Leather Industries Research Institute
P O Box 185
Grahamstown, 6140
Tel: (031) 701-4111 Fax: (011) 701-4208