Effect of Different Unhairing Methods on the Ionic Liquid Based Fiber Opening Process

Abstract

Leather processing is known to impact the environment, especially the pre-tanning processes. Lime sludge is one of the major concerns for the industry. Application of ionic liquid (1- butyl 3- methylimidazolium chloride) instead of conventional reliming practice can reduce this problem to a large extent. In this study, the effect of different unhairing process on the fiber opening using ionic liquids has been studied. The extent of fiber opening was assessed for both control and experimental pelts through SEM analysis. The experimental pelts were found to have better fiber opening than the control. The ionic liquid fiber opened pelts were tanned and the spent liquors were assessed for the chrome content, COD, TDS. The results indicate that all the environmental parameters are better or on par with the conventional process. The final leathers made were also found to have physical characteristics similar to that of conventionally limed leathers.