Study of Several Variables in the Fixation Stage of a Vegetable Tannage after Penetration under Ultrasound

Abstract

This study concerns the implementation and improvement of anew system that applies ultrasound technology in vegetabletanning, which is an eco-friendly tanning process. The system isversatile and requires no major modifications or expenses fortanneries. In particular, the study investigates the influence ofseveral variables in the fixation stage of a vegetable tannage afterpenetration under ultrasound. The results show significantdifferences in the tanning degree of the leathers tested in relationto the pH of the fixation float and the amount of time that thehides remain in it. It has been demonstrated that this tanningsystem allows to obtain leathers with a high degree of tanninfixation. The leathers we obtained showed no scratches, whichare the main cause for their devaluation when applying thetraditional tanning system and were suitable forcommercialization as high-end leather goods. Ultrasoundtechnology can increase the use of vegetable tannage versusother less eco-friendly types of tannage.