A Novel Stabilization of Skin Protein Using Replenishable Tanning Agents – Mineral-free Fragrant Garment Leathers

Abstract

Conventionally leathers are produced from chromium tanning which is toxic and difficult to dispose off the chromium containing wastes and products. However, to date there hasn’t been any replacement found for chromium as a preferred tanning agent for the leather industry due to the hydrothermal characteristics and versatility of chromium. This study aims to produce mineral-free unlined garment leather made out of aldehyde and oil tanning with the inherent properties of aroma and anti-fungal. Glutaraldehyde along with sperm oil and jatropha oil have been employed and compared with conventional chrome tanning processes. The performance of experimental leathers concerning physical and bulk properties is suitable for garment manufacturing. Studies of Solid state NMR, the effect of tanning agents on collagen are confirmed. Morphological studies using Scanning electron microscopy revealed that experimental leathers exhibited better lubrication and opened-up fiber structure. Resistance to fungal species is substantial with combination tanning system as conventional processing using synthetic biocides poses severe health hazards and safety concerns. Here we demonstrate that aldehyde and oil combination tanning technology generates significantly less toxic waste and has economic potential for commercial implementation.

Keywords

• collagen
• chromium
• jatropha oil
• leather processing
• metal-free
• skins and hides
• sperm oil