Council of Scientific and Industrial Research

Mookandi Kanthimathi

Balachandran Unni Nair

Thirumalachari Ramasami

Jonnalagadda Raghava Rao

Palanisamy Thanikaivelan

A novel synthetic aluminium tanning agent as an alternative for chromium based tanning salts without using formaldehyde was prepared by using aromatic polymeric matrix and aluminium (III) salts as raw materials with suitable masking agents. The preparation of the syntan consists of sulphonation of aromatic molecule, which is incorporated with a polymeric network along with ligands specially designed for the complexation of aluminium (III) salts. The complex can be used as a self-tanning agent in leather industry with fairly good filling behavior. The tanned leathers exhibit shrinkage temperature about 85&#xb0; C. Due to the higher precipitation point of the product, it can be used for tanning directly after deliming thus eliminating the pickling process. This product, unlike the conventional phenol based products, does not undergo photo-oxidation thereby preventing the discoloration of the tanned leathers.

Process for preparing a synthetic aluminium tanning agent

A process for the preparation of a synthetic tanning agent is disclosed whereby multi functional polymer is polymerized with sulfonated aromatic compound, pretreated with organic ligand to form an organo-polymeric matrix, which is essentially formaldehyde-free. The product has potential application in leather industry as an eco-friendly approach to chrome tanning by eliminating the conventional pickling process and the related problem of total dissolved solids (TDS) associated with the effluent. The present invention also provides for an exhaust aid for chrome due to its multiple carboxyl groups.

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Tamil Nadu, India

Mookandi Kanthimathi