Abstract: The invention concerns leather finish compositions containing at least an aqueous dispersion of film-forming polymer at room temperature without cosolvent, or plasticizing agent and optionally a cross-linking agent. Said dispersions free of organic solvent provide non-sticky and abrasion resistant coatings with good water resistance. Said dispersions consist of structured polymer particles having one or more soft phases (Tg<20° C.) and one or more hard phases (Tg>60° C.).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating a metal surface by carboxylation before forming, said metal being selected from zinc, iron, aluminium, copper, lead and the alloys thereof as well as copper-coated, aluminium-coated, galvanised steels. Said method is carried out in oxidising conditions in relation to the metal by bringing said metal into contact with an aqueous, organic or hydro-organic bath comprising at least one organic acid in free form or in salt form. The inventive method is characterised in that: the organic acid is a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic monocarboxylic or dicarboxylic acid; the organic acid is in solution and/or emulsion in the bath at a concentration greater than 0.1 mole/litre; the pH of the bath is acid.