EFFECT OF TANNING AGENT ON CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF RED SOKOTO GOAT SKIN

Abstract

The study was carried out to investigate the effects of tanning agents, age and strain on quality properties of Red Sokoto goat leather. A total of 36 pieces of fresh goat skin were obtained and weighed individually, processed in to crust leather for physio-chemical analysis. In the effects of tanning agent on physical properties of the leather, the result showed significant (p<0.05) difference in tensile strength and percentage elongation, grain test by ball burst, water vapour permeability, shrinkage temperature and water absorption. However, no significant difference (p>0.05) with respect to leather thickness, on the effect of tanning agent on chemical properties of leather. The result revealed that Acacia tanned leather recorded higher volatile matter (12.13%) and water soluble organic matter (26.17%) while the result of leather tanned with chrome water soluble inorganic matter value were (11.17%) respectively. It was concluded that matured Sokoto red goat leather tanned with Acacia nilotica produced optimum quality leather. It is recommended to use matured Sokoto red goat skin for good quality leather production.