Abstract

Preparation and the characterization of solid tanning salts from iron (III) sulphate and potassium acid tartrate (cream of tartar) were performed. The iron (III) sulphate was obtained as a by-product of the processing of titaniferous iron ores from the Province of Buenos Aires. The manufacture started with physical upgrading of the ore and the concentrate thus obtained was then digested with sulphuric acid. At the end of the reaction iron (II) sulphate heptahydrate was separated, and the separated iron (II) was oxidised and cream of tartar was added to stabilize the iron (III). Solid tanning salts were obtained by spray drying. The storage and stability of the preparations were measured as a function of the principal physicochemical parameters. Finally, the suitability of the solid tanning salts for the tannage of goat skin was determined. The evaluation of the tanned leathers was performed by means of physico-mechanical tests and chemical analyses.