Pickling of sheepskin by Benzene Sulphonic Acid with Low -salt content to enhance shrinkage and mechanical properties

Enhanceing shrinkage and mechanical properties of pickled skin

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a high demand to use sheep leather for different apparel with optimum mechanical strength, which is treated through eco-friendly chemicals. In this research, a novel pickling of Benzene sulphonic acid with low salt content had employed for the pickling of sheepskins to enhance mechanical properties and reduce environmental pollution. Sheepskins were treated using five different ratios of benzene sulphonic acid/ sodium chloride, and one sample was pickled with the conventional sodium chloride/sulphuric acid method. The remaining ingredients, formic acid and water, were kept constant. Sample, S1 treated with 5% of C6H6O3S with 4% NaCl had a greater tensile strength of 80.83N/mm² elongation of 45.7% tear strength of 60N/mm and shrinkage resistance temperature of 107 ^oC than others. On the contrary, sheepskin treated with 4% C6H6O3S with 3% NaCl had lower mechanical and shrinkage properties than the remaining samples. The statistical results showed that pickled skin leathers significantly differ in measured tests. In conclusion, the proposed novel pickling of benzene sulphonic acid with low-salt content have a potential to enhance the mechanical properties of sheepskins, reduce environmental pollution, and be affordable cost since sulphonic benzene acid can replace the sulphuric acid application, which is used in the conventional process.