Abstract

The system acrylic resin+ aluminium (III)+ chromium (Ill) has been investigated, as the basis of a novel tanning system. In particular, tannages containing very low or zero chromium (III) offers were investigated with a view to finding an alternative to full chrome tannage. High shrinkage temperature was the main aim of these experiments but other parameters were not ignored. The colour of the leathers were essentially white, even when > 1% chromium (III) was present. There was no loss in thermal stability on soaking for 42 h in water at 30-35°C. Tear strength of fellmongered sheepskin leather was in excess of the 1976 GERIC guidelines for garment leather. Tight fastness was better than 6 on the Blue Wool Scale.