Curtición de pieles ovinas en combinación de mimosa con sulfato de aluminio para marroquinería

Abstract

The growing environmental concerns associated with traditional tanning methods, particularly the excessive use of heavy metals in leather tanning processes, have prompted more and more interest in exploring alternatives. One of these alternatives involves using tannins, such as mimosa, in combination with salts like aluminium sulfate for the tanning process. This study aims to compare the physical and sensory outcomes of ovine leathers tanned solely with mineral-based methods against those employing a combination of mimosa (at concentrations of 10%, (T1) 12% (T2), and 14% (T3)) and 4% aluminium sulfate for leather destined for leather goods production. The research methodology employed quantitative parameters (tensile strength, elongation percentage, and abrasion resistance) and qualitative assessments derived from sensory perception (fullness, softness, and leather curvature). Fifteen experimental units were used and distributed among three treatments, structured under a completely randomized design. Data acquisition and analysis of the ovine Leather process occurred at the Agro-industrial Fibers Laboratory of ESPOCH. The physical tests yielded the following results: the highest tensile strength (9958.91 N/cm²) was achieved with 12% mimosa, while the maximum elongation percentage (69.71%) and abrasion resistance (249 cycles) resulted in 14% mimosa. Sensory evaluations revealed that 14% mimosa treatment scored highest in fullness (5 points) and leather curvature (5 points), whereas softness (5 points) exhibited superior results with 10% mimosa. The application of 14% mimosa demonstrated superior attributes for leather goods manufacturing. This study emphasizes vegetable tanning agent usage, specifically mimosa, as a sustainable approach to reduce the environmental impact in the leather industry.