High Chrome Exhaustion by Using Oxidized Tragacanthin as a Natural Pre-Tanning Agent in Leather Industry

Abstract

Pre-tanning agents can alter collagen and improve the efficiency of chrome tanning in the leather industry. In this work, tragacanthin (TRG) was separated from gum tragacanth (GTR) and oxidized by hydrogen peroxide (OTRG). The possible use of OTRG as chrome absorbent was evaluated before using it as a pre-tanning agent. The results showed the 96.7% chromium absorption from solution. After that, the OTRG was used for chrome uptake, resulting in high chrome exhaustion (90.71%) and high shrinkage temperature (Ts=114 °C) over the conventional chrome tanning. The SEM images of wet-blue revealed the dispersed collagen fibers. The use of pre- tanning agents significantly enhances the mechanical properties of leather. With tensile strength of 301.53 kg/cm², elongation at break of 47.02%, and tear strength of 50.11 kg/cm, these improvements indicate that the pre-tanning process effectively contributes to the durability and flexibility of the final leather product. This enhancement not only improves performance but also expands the potential applications of leather in various industries. So, TRG, being a natural polysaccharide, can function as a pre-tanning agent for high chrome exhaustion.