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Basifying Agents in Chrome-Tanning Processes at the ALCA Annual Convention 2024

May 21, 2024 | Fairs, leather, Noticias

The role of basifying agents in tanning processes will be the subject of a study presented by Cromogenia Units at the 118th Annual ALCA Convention held at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania (USA) from May 21 to 24, 2024. This year, Cromogenia Units will also be present as a sponsor.

Hershey Lodge in Pennsylvania will be the venue where Olga Ballús, Head of Wet Processing Application Laboratory at Cromogenia, will present the work titled “Basifying agents in chrome tanning processes” as part of this year’s technical program.

What is Basification in Tanning Processes?

Basification is a stage in the tanning process where the pH of the collagen is increased to facilitate the fixation of chrome salts, thus achieving stable and tanned leather. This stage is important because it regulates the fixation and exhaustion of chrome salts, significantly impacting the quality of the obtained wet blue leather.

Comparative Study of the Behavior of Basifying Agents in Chrome-Tanning Processes

Basification plays a crucial role in the quality and attributes of the final leather product. However, this influence also includes some unfavorable factors, such as poor stratigraphic distribution of chrome or the possibility of insufficient cross-linking of chrome with collagen. This can negatively affect the properties of leather products.

Therefore, a careful selection of basifying agents is essential to ensure the desired quality and performance of leather products. Different products such as magnesium oxides and dolomites can be used for basification, offering flexibility to achieve optimal results in leather production.

Objectives of the Study on Basifying Agents

The objective of this work is to gain an in-depth understanding of different types of basifying agents. Five products were selected for this purpose: two types of magnesium oxide, dolomite, sodium bicarbonate, and the product PLENATOL HBE.

The selected products were applied as basifying agents, and their respective basification curves were carried out. Chromium oxide measurements were taken both in the skin and in the bath, and the differential index of wet blue was determined. Additionally, the alkalinity and reactivity of the products were assessed.

Basification processes were conducted at various temperatures to study the influence of this parameter on the process.

Olga Ballús shared the results of this study in the technical session of the ALCA annual convention.

American Leather Chemists Association (ALCA), a Long History

In 1993, a group of leather chemists from the United States met at the annual convention of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) to find an accurate method for analyzing tanning extracts used in the industry. Although an attempt was made in 1897 to create a dedicated association for leather chemists, it was not until 1903 that it was successfully established. Since then, the American Leather Chemists Association (ALCA) has continually promoted the advancement of knowledge in science and engineering, especially regarding its application to the challenges faced by the leather and leather products industry.