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A faster and more effective chrome tanning process assisted by microwave
Jinwei Zhang1,2, Wuyong Chen1,2
1Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China wuyong.chen@163.com.
RSC Advances
|May 6, 2022
Summary
Microwave heating significantly accelerates chrome tanning of goat pelts, enhancing leather quality and thermal stability. This method improves tanning efficiency without damaging the collagen structure, offering a novel approach for the leather industry.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Textile Chemistry
Background:
- Conventional chrome tanning is crucial for leather production, but efficiency and speed can be improved.
- Microwave heating has shown potential in enhancing material processing and chemical reactions.
- Detailed investigation into microwave-assisted chrome tanning of pelts is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of microwave heating on the chrome tanning process of goat pelts.
- To evaluate the impact of microwave-assisted tanning on leather properties, including thermal stability and collagen structure.
- To compare microwave heating (MW) with conventional water bath heating (WB) for chrome tanning.
Main Methods:
- Pickled goat pelts were subjected to chrome tanning using microwave heating (MW) and water bath heating (WB) for penetration and fixation procedures.
- Measurements included pH changes of chromium complexes, leather chrome content, thermal behaviors (thermogravimetric analysis), and collagen structure analysis.
- Comparison of MW and WB methods was performed based on process efficiency and resulting leather characteristics.
Main Results:
- Microwave heating significantly enhanced chrome tanning agent penetration and exhaustion, leading to a faster and more effective tanning process.
- Leather tanned with microwave assistance exhibited superior hydrothermal and thermal stability, along with improved resistance to thermal decomposition.
- The hierarchical structure of leather and collagen conformation, including the triple helix, remained unaffected by microwave application, with similar ligand-chromium binding patterns.
Conclusions:
- Microwave heating is a viable method to accelerate the chrome tanning process and achieve excellent tanning effects.
- The application of microwave technology in chrome tanning enhances leather properties without compromising its structural integrity.
- Microwave-assisted chrome tanning presents a promising, efficient, and effective alternative for future leather manufacturing.
