Application of New Techniques by using local Tannage Material Acacia nilotica Garad

Abstract

The aim of this research was to enhance the Sudanese leather process using local tanning agent, to apply the ideas of cleaner technology in Sudan, to reduce environmental pollution generated by chromium and to produce a new type of leather with a specific identity that can compete easily in the international market. After the process of tannage, almost 25% by weight of input raw material are wasted. The occurrence of such a large amount of waste presents economic and mainly ecologic problem for this industry; thus substantial global effort is given to development of improved technologies for the disposal of chromium tanned waste. (Acacia nilotica) Garad used with a mineral chromium and aluminum to limit the consumption of undesirable chromium. In the experimental work 24 pieces pickled cattle hides were processed in eight trials, in each trial three pieces pickled cattle hides were treated in pilot drum with speed of 8 rpm. Four trials were treated with 30% garad as tannage and different percentages chromium of (1,2,3,4%) as retannage, other four trials were treated with 30% garad as tannage and different percentages aluminium of (1, 2, 3, 4%) as retannage. The leather produced was analysed for physical testing, including thickness, tensile strength, percentage elongation at break, load at grain crack, load at grain burst and shrinkage temperature. And chemical analysis including moisture content, ash content, fat and chrome contents. The results were compared with the standard specification and found to be satisfactory.