SYNTHESIS OF CHROME TANNING AGENT IN PRESENCE OF OLIGO - AND POLYSACCHARIDES

The conditions for the synthesis of chrome tanning agent during the reduction of sodium dichromate with oligo - and polysaccharides have been investigated. The synthesis of the tanning agent is based on the reduction of hexavalent chromium Cr (VI) in the form of sodium dichromate with reducing agents from the class of vegetable oligo- and polysaccharides with a different sequence of their introduction into the reaction mixture in the presence of sulfuric acid. The introduction of sulfuric acid was carried out gradually to avoid overheating and splashing of the reaction mixture, since the reduction reaction is accompanied by a significant thermal effect. Glucose, maltodextrin and pectin were used as reducing agents. The properties of the obtained products were evaluated by spectrophotometry, conductometry, and analytical methods. It has been shown that the use of native pectin leads to the formation of a gel like mass due to the coordination of the functional groups of galacturonic acid, which is part of the pectin, with chromium atoms. Pretreatment of pectin with a citric acid solution and optimization of synthesis conditions made it possible to obtain a chromium tanning agent that does not contain unreduced chromium. The influence of oligosaccharides on the properties of chromium tanning agents, including their ability to dissolve, is considered. It is shown that the reduction of sodium dichromate with maltodextrin during the reaction results in the formation of incomplete oxidation products of the oligosaccharide, which cause the masking effect of the chromium complex and increase in the resistance of the tanning agent to the action of alkaline reagents used to increase in the basicity during tanning. Experimental samples of chrome tanning agent in dry form were obtained and their leatherprocessing characteristics were studied. The results of technological tests have confirmed the theoretical propositions, according to which the high hydrothermal stability of the leather semifinished product, the almost complete depletion of the processing solution and the required physical and mechanical properties of the finished leather are achieved by introducing the products of incomplete oxidation of oligosaccharides into the inner sphere of the chromium complex.

Imparting Water Repellency to Leather through an Organo Metallic Chromium Complex

Organometallic compounds are finding novel applications and benefitting mankind in many ways. The present work relates to the development of such compounds that shall be locally available, cheap, durable and compatible water repellent for leather. The work methodology is so that first there is selection of method of preparation in which the easiest and most economical method is selected. Suitable methods of applications are then elucidated. Finally, some necessary tests of performance are conducted. There are certain weak areas, which are highlighted.