Abstract

The use of sequential treatments has been tested in an attempt to develop an aluminium tannage of high stability which might be used to replace chrome-tanning. Treatments based on various combinations using aluminium, chromium and zirconium compounds and pyromellitic acid have been surveyed in a series of “screening” experiments using lamb intestine. One treatment, involving successive treatments with zirconium sulphate, pyromellitic acid and then aluminium sulphate gave a product with exceptionally high shrinkage temperature (up to 128°C) and high stability to dye bath conditions. Based on this, tanned leather with similar high stability was produced using both sheepskin and cattle hide and this has demonstrated the possible application of this system for development of a white aluminium-based tannage with suitable stability for general application.