Forschungsinstitut für Leder und Kunststoffbahnen (FILK) gGmbH
Abstract
Content:
Application of biocatalyst becomes an imperative due to their eco-friendly advantages. Enzymes in pretanning for unhairing, fiber opening, defleshing and bating are well reported and practiced. However,
the role of enzymes as a chemical aids is less explored and consider as a secondary applications. Leather enzymes are known for its hydrolytic behavior which makes it more suitable for pretanning operations. However, typical chemical exhaustive aids acts as a vehicle for the diffusion of chemicals, whereas enzymes aids in the splitting of fibers which facilitate the diffusion of chemicals and create more functional sites for the tanning and post tanning chemicals to interact. In this research, pickled pelts are treated with acid protease and subsequently tanned using chrome tanning agent. Enzymatic treated pelts resulted in better uptake of chromium as compared to conventionally processed leathers. Similarly, after neutralization, chrome tanned leathers are treated with alkaline protease to conventional post tanning has been carried out. Enzymatic treated wet blue leathers showed high uptake of post tanning chemical, uniform dyeing and reduction in the pollution load. From the preliminary research, an interesting finding has augmented that application of enzymes at an optimized concentration, temperature, pH and time would lead to better uptake of chrome which reduces the pollution and minimization pollution load in post tanning. This study, emphasize on the application of enzymes in tanning and post tanning for higher diffusion of chemicals.
Take-Away:
1. Replacement of conventional exhaustive aids using biocatalyst
2. Higher exhaustion rate of tanning and post tanning chemicals
3. Futuristic technology for sustainable leather manufactur