Powdered Hide Model for Vegetable Tanning

Abstract

To demonstrate the utility of the powdered hide model for vegetable tanning studies, interactions of quebracho with samples of powdered hide prepared from partially processed hides were investigated. Hides were dehaired by a typical sulfide or oxidative method and carried through the delime/bate step of a tanning process. Prior to tanning, the powdered hide from oxidative dehairing was on average slightly more susceptible to attack by collagenase than was the powdered hide from sulfide dehairing. After tanning with as little as 20% quebracho, powdered hide from both processes was well protected against collagenase degradation. Apparent shrinkage temperatures ranged between 79°C and 87°C, increasing with increased quebracho offer. Shrinkage temperatures for quebracho-treated oxidatively powdered hides were generally 2°C lower than for sulfide dehaired samples. This contrasts with no difference in shrinkage temperature for chrome tanned powdered hides. Comparison of micrographs of powdered hide treated with crude and purified quebracho suggest that the tanning effect of quebracho is both a function of quebracho/collagen interactions, and the filling effect of other components of the crude quebracho.