Effectiveness of Nd: YAG Laser in Wool Removal from Sheep Leather

Abstract

Interaction of lasers with biomaterials such as tissues is an important area of research.This work aims to investigate removing of wool form sheep leather using Nd: YAG laser, which is one of three steps of tanning process with killing bacteria and fat removal. Crude leatherof lamb was irradiated by Nd: YAG laser with 1064 nm and 60 Watts continuous mode point per point in order to remove wool. The results showed that laser successfully removed the wool from lamb leather without obtaining burning or damaging leather or changing its original color. This result shows that wool could be removed from the butchered sheep leather by laser, safely without chemicals risks.