Chemical Sciences

Conventional synthetic tanning agents employed in leather processing are predominantly based on phenol-formaldehyde condensation products. It has been found by several research groups that the free formaldehyde in such products is beyond permissible levels for safe use. As an alternate, a multi-functional matrix with sulfonated aromatic compound, free of formaldehyde has been developed, which is first of its kind in the world. Use of this syntan in tanning enhances the uptake of chromium to above 93%. The syntan provides a means for pickle free chrome tanning thereby reducing the total dissolved solids in the effluent. The presence of this syntan enables a reduction in the offer of filling syntans in wet-finishing by 30-40%.