Abstract

The characteristics of DSA as a tanning agent have been investigated using DSA prepared by selective periodate oxidation of the natural polymer sodium alginate (SA). Shrinkage temperature and enzyme stability of leathers at varied DSA concentrations, pH, and time were examined, treatment of goatskins gave a maximum shrinkage temperature of 80°C at pH8. The formation of the crosslinks between DSA and the collagen of goatskins gave significant stability to leathers against enzymatic degradation (collagenase). The degree of crosslinking was studied using trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS). The degree of crosslinking was found to increase with the increase in degree of oxidation of SA and the concentration of DSA. In this investigation, the properties of DSA tanned leathers are discussed and the tannage optimized. The DSA leathers were compared with chrome-tanned leathers for handle.