Abstract

A Zr-Al-Ti complex tanning agent solution was separated by gel column chromatography. The structure, composition and metal ion content of components separated from the solution were detected and analyzed by UV spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry. The results showed that the precipitation pHof the Zr-Al-Ti complex tanning agent solution rose at first and then fell with increased addition of alkali. At pH2.5, precipitation pHw as the highest i.e. 4.15. Seven components were separated from the Zr-Al-Ti complex tanning agent solution by gel column chromatography. In the Zr-Al-Ti complex tanning agent solution of such composition, Zr 4+ and Ti 4+ prefer tend to form big molecular complexes. The Zr-Al- Ti complex tanning agent solution is a composite system consisting of polynuclear and heteronuclear complexes.