Résumé : |
In a European funded R&D - project, an international group of leather institutes, tanneries and auxiliary suppliers developed new raw hide curing methods. Objective was to substitute common salt by neutralized alkali silicates, either applied as powder or by drum penetration. Both methods lead to excellent curing results, significant reduction of TDS and nearly full elimination of salt in soaking liquors. No impact on leather quality, produced from silicate-cured hides and skins was observed. Accidentally it was found that the application of silicate-containing soaking liquors for irrigation leads to improved plant growth and yield. |