Oral · Pages 78–87
Abstract
Research summary supplied by the authors
This research work is based on the development of a specifi c class of biopolymers applied in leather tanning. From the con- trolled hydrolysis of starch or cellulose, polymers with a well-defi ned molecular weight are obtained which are subsequently modifi ed chemically or electrochemically, thus forming glucose chains containing two or more carbonyl groups able to react with collagen and able to coordinate with other binders such as tannins, cross-linking agents and metals. With this class of biopolymers is possible to produce wet-white leathers or mixed biopolymer/metal tanned leathers, used for the production of footwear, leather goods, clothing, furniture and automotive, for their elasticity, tear resistance, low content of fog and voc, light color of the tanning which does not interfere with the light shades of the dyes. The leathers appear full and soft, very reactive to retanning agents. The characteristic buffering action of this new class of biopolymers allows to eliminate the pickel before tanning, simplifying the process that no longer require continuous pH and density checks of the processing bath. These biopolymers come from renewable sources and the production has a low energy impact and a low environmen- tal impact given of the absence of catalysts and toxic chemical residues. The technology for the production of this kind of biopolymer is patent pending and the development is in progress.