A Brief Overview of the Chemistry of Leather Tanning and Current Trends: Applications of Tanned Leathers
Adikwu Gowon Jacob
Yusuf Suleiman
Abdurrahman Mustapha
Nura Usman
Zeenatu Ibrahim Kani
Nasiru Adamu
Abstract
This paper aimed at providing a detailed overview of leather and chemistry of tanning, discussing the underlying chemical reactions used to convert collagen-rich raw hides into durable and purposeful leather products. The paper also delves into evolving trends in leather tanning processes and also highlights the general applications of tanned leathers with a view to understand their significance. It begins by exploring the structural composition of animal skin, particularly the central role of collagen in tanning. Besides, it compares the major tanning methods including chrome, vegetable, aldehyde, and synthetic tanning based on their chemical mechanisms, efficiency, environmental impact, and influence on leather properties. This overview also explores emerging trends such as enzyme-assisted tanning, bio-tanning, and the use of nanomaterials to enhance leather performance while minimizing environmental damage. Moreover, it discusses the roles of fat liquoring, dyeing, and finishing processes in determining leather texture, flexibility, and appearance. The method used to conduct this overview involved a systematic review of 70 relevant peer-reviewed articles published in online databases comprising Google Scholar, MDPI, and Scopus from 2011 to 2024. The study found that despite the environmental challenges of chromium tanning, it remains dominant due to its ability to produce soft and heat-resistant leather. Conversely, vegetable and aldehyde tanning offer biodegradable and harmless alternatives, with expanding applications in fashion, footwear, biomedical industries, and upholstery. By critically comparing diverse tanning methods for their mechanisms, efficiencies, and environmental impacts, the overview highlights the shift toward sustainable, high-performance leathers while retaining attention to practical finishing processes like fat liquoring and dyeing. Finally, this research concludes by emphasizing that the future of leather tanning lies in integrating advanced materials science with green practices to support high-performance and eco-friendly leather production.
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