Curtición de pieles ovinas para marroquinería con la utilización de quebracho (Schinopsis balansae) en reemplazo de cromo

Abstract

Currently, it is possible to evidence substantial information absence regarding the use of quebracho (Schinopsis balansae) in combination with chromium in the tanning of ovine hides and the characteristics imparted by this tanning agent. Also, concerns regarding the environmental impact caused by excessive use of mineral tanning agents are a remarkable factor. Therefore, this research aimed to tan ovine hides for leather goods production using quebracho at 8%, 10%, and 12% as a replacement for chromium. The methodology followed to achieve this involved quantitative data collection through laboratory tests (tensile strength, percentage of elongation, and abrasion resistance) and qualitative data through sensory analysis (fullness, softness, and roundness) of the ovine leather. A completely randomized design was helpful, and data came in a specific timeframe. The Samples of tanned ovine leather were analyzed in the tanning laboratory and agro-industrial fibres of the Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH). According to the data obtained from the physical laboratory analyses, it was determined that tanning with 12% quebracho (T3) yielded superior results in terms of tensile strength (10945.67 N/cm²), percentage of elongation (60.5%), and abrasion resistance (249.9 cycles). Concerning sensory analysis, the highest ratings in terms of fullness (4.8 points) and roundness (4.8 points) were observed in the 12% quebracho tanning treatment (T3), while softness (4.6) received the highest score in the 8% quebracho treatment (T1). As a result, the T3 enables the production of leather suitable for leather goods, especially for items requiring increased durability. Finally, Vegetable tanning agents are a reliable alternative as they minimize environmental impact and reduce production costs.