Step 1: Understanding Wetting Force in Leather Processing
- In leather processing, wetting back refers to the ability of the leather surface to absorb and spread water or other liquids. The main force that enables this process is adhesive force, which is the attraction between different materials, such as the leather fibers and water molecules. Adhesive forces allow the water to penetrate the leather fibers, making the surface wet.
Step 2: Explanation of the Other Forces
- Cohesive forces are responsible for the attraction between like molecules (e.g., water molecules sticking together) and are not as significant as adhesive forces in this context.
- Hydrogen bonds play a role in molecular attraction but are not the primary forces responsible for the wetting back process.
- Van der Waals forces are weak intermolecular forces that are less significant compared to adhesive forces when it comes to wetting.
Step 3: Conclusion
Thus, the major force involved in the wetting back of wet blue skins is the adhesive force, which facilitates water absorption into the leather.