Abstract

The acceleration effect of catalysts and other additives on the rise in the shrinkage temperature of hide treated with various multifunctional, water-soluble, epoxy resins was investigated in order to obtain information on a new pre-tanning method without chrome. The wet acetone-dehydrated hide specimen was treated with 10% epoxy resin (on the wet hide weight) at 35°C. The catalysts, 2,4,6-tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol and dimethylaminopropylamine, both show an acceleration effect on the rise in the shrinkage temperature of the treated hide. Processing with the combined catalyst of 2,4,6-tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol and salicylic acid can markedly raise the shrinkage temperature over 80°C after 10 h. The epoxy resins, which have higher functionality or lower molecular weight, can rapidly raise the shrinkage temperature. Additives, such as methanol and ammonia, contribute to raising the shrinking temperature considerably. On the other hand, acids and anions show a negative effect upon it.