Leather Materials Specialization

For the associate Degree in the chemical technology at Texas State Technical College - Waco

TxSTC - Waco and the Leather Research Institute have created a new option for the chemical technology degree program.  This option, a topics course on leather materials and a co-op in leather manufacturing, will prepare technicians for the growing hide processing and tanning industries in Texas. 

In this first-of-a-kind program in the country, students will learn fundamental chemical concepts and laboratory techniques along with the technology of the leather-making process.  Students will also participate in the development of improved processing techniques while on co-op. 

TxSTC - Waco

The Chemical Technology program is nationally recognized and is approved by the American Chemical Society.  The program was also recently rated "Exemplary"  by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The program has an outstanding placement rate with graduates working for nearly every sector of the chemical industry in Texas.

Leather Materials Technology Specialization

Two new courses comprise this new specialization option for the Chemical Technology program. 

CHMTCH 345: Leather Materials Technology

This lecture course will cover the basic elements of tanning and leather manufacture, within the context of protein materials chemistry.  Emphasis will be placed on the unit operations of mineral and vegetable -based tannages as well as modern finishing operations.  There will be extensive coverage of materials testing of leather, including both physical and chemical testing methods. 

CHMTCH 800: Leather Materials Production Co-op

Work side-by-side with tanners and leather production technicians in tanneries and leather finishing plants.  Experience, first hand, the pilot-scale production of "research" and technical leathers and the large-scale manufacturing of commodity leather.  Become experienced with beam house, tanning, crusting and finishing processes with cattle hides, sheep and goat hides and exotic hides (ostrich, buffalo, rattlesnake and alligator).  On-site training opportunities will extend up to six months.  Employers will assist in student progress assessment.

Is this unique specialization for you? 

ü      Materials chemistry is the future of the leather industry.  Get in early and make your mark!

ü      Texas is the next "frontier" of the leather industry.  Be a pioneer for Texas!

ü      Leather manufacture is highly multidisciplinary.  Get important new skills from several allied disciplines.

ü      Experience with leather materials will make you highly employable with several industries: leather, leather chemicals and finished product businesses!  

Contacts