Abstract: The method of treating sheet material such as leather and the like to make it supple in which the sheet material is subjected simultaneously to hot moisture and a cooling medium under pressure, alternatively from the grain side and from the flesh side in a continuous method. This is performed between two endless conveyor belts which are wetted by water, each of which is independently guided and saturated with water on the outer side and which are guided together on the inner side that is, they are guided alternatively from above and from below round a portion of the circumference of a plurality of rollers. Moistening, cooling and heating units are arranged on the outside of the rollers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coating composition which is a mixture of an elastomeric material and a homopolymeric material alone or in admixture with a copolymeric material, the coating having good microporous properties and agreeable "hand" and pliability.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of artificial leather which has a napped, suede or nubuck surface finish by contacting a natural, synthetic of semi-synthetic backing member with a polymeric system comprising a mixture of a heat-reactive latex and a carboxylated latex and which contains at least one dyestuff. Each of the latices is cross-linked in sequence while the contacted backing member is dried. The migration of non-polymeric components in the system of latices is suppressed during drying. The backing so treated is mechanically altered on the grain side of the backing member to provide an irregular leather-like surface thereto.

Abstract: A method of preparing a backer for use in the production of man-made leather containing from 20 to 50% by weight of tanned collagen fibrous material.