Abstract

In the tropical wet season, for example in West Africa, putrefaction of hides and skins during suspension drying is significant but may be reduced by pre-treatment of the raw stock with a bactericide. A suitable chemical must be cost-effective, have no adverse effects on leather-making qualities and acceptable with respect to health, safety and the environment. For application in less developed countries and small throughputs. A simple method of application with minimum expertise in process control is required. The chemical must remain effective during drying. The purpose of this paper is to review chemicals which have been used previously either as salt additives or for salt-free short-term preservation of hides and skins, with a view to potential application in suspension drying. Among inorganic chemicals, boric acid and sodium silicofluoride appear most promising and zinc compounds may have limited potential. Sulphites, chlorites, hypochiorites and sodium carbonate are less attractive. Among organic and proprietary chemicals, Vantocil IB presently offers most potential. Phenol and cresol type preservatives have several disadvantages, although sodium pentachlorophenate may have value as an auxiliary in spray treatment. Naphthalene and derivatives. quaternary ammonium compounds (benzalkonium chloride) and various proprietary chemicals of current interest for salt-free short-term preservation also have disadvantages. The use of antibiotics and medicinal compounds is discouraged.