Enhanced diagnostic services at BLC

18 April 2006




BLC are investing in people and equipment to meet the increasing problem solving needs of the leather supply chain. Gert Kruger is their new diagnostic services manager and will be responsible for problem solving including both technical issues on leather within the production environment and finished products. Kruger initially moved to the UK from South Africa in 2000 to study a degree in leather technology at the British School of Leather Technology. After completing his BSc (Hons) in Leather Technology he joined Pittards plc in Leeds, where he was employed for two and a half years working in the technical, new product development and production departments. He will be working in the technical services department, where BLC has recently invested in a new state of the art FTIR for use in the diagnostic services section. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra Red) spectroscopy is a widely used technique for the analysis of organic compounds. Combined with ATR (Attenuated Total Reflectance) it provides a powerful mechanism for evaluating the surfaces of samples. BLC has been using FTIR for some time and has a great deal of expertise in its application to leather related problems. The new equipment has the advantages of improved sensitivity and greatly enhanced library searching capabilities. This new investment expands BLC's problem solving potential. Applications include determining the composition of resins, fats, oils, adhesives and other organic compounds added to leather (whether intentionally or otherwise). One particular application is the ability to identify the cause of spues on leather and leather products. FTIR and the other advanced analytical techniques available at BLC provide valuable information in the forum of fault diagnostics. However, the true value of the service at BLC is the ability to interpret the results and make appropriate recommendations. BLC provides this vital expertise through a highly skilled team of experts in all areas of leather technology. For further information contact Victoria Addy on vikki@blcleathertech.com or telephone +44 1604 679953.



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