Interactions between Collagen and Alternative Leather Tannages to Chromium Salts by Comparative Thermal Analysis Methods

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the interactions between collagen and tanning process performed by Ecoltan®, phosphonium, EasyWhite Tan®, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde-free replacement syntan, condensed (mimosa) and hydrolyzed (tara) vegetable tanning agents as alternative tannages to conventional basic chromium sulphate widely used in leather industry. Collagen stabilization with tanning agents was determined by comparative thermal analysis methods; differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and conventional shrinkage temperature measurement. Analysis techniques and tanning agents were compared and bonding characteristics were commented by thermal stabilization they provided. Chromium tanning agent was also examined to be comparable of novel tannages for leather industry. The results were interesting as a different perspective than the conventional view to provide a better understanding of the relationship between tanning and thermal stability of leather materials.