Course Plan for Leather Processing and Production

Addis Ababa Science and Technology University

College: Applied Science Department: Industrial Chemistry

Course Name Leather Processing and Production

Course Code: InCh4103
Synopsis: This course is designed to make students familiar with the process and
production of leather from skin histology to last product through
different processes so that they will understand the
application of chemistry in leather industry. Moreover, the students will
understand the different methods of increasing the quality of skin and
leather. The course covers Skin histology and structure: microorganisms:
curing: beam house: tanning:
combination tanning: dyeing and fat liquoring

Academic Staff: Dr Bikila Alemu Room:B71-307

Semester and Year: Semester: I Year: 4
Course Learning Outcome: At the end of the course the student will be able to:
 Identify the structures and properties of skin and leather
 Describe the physico-chemical properties of leather in different processes.
 Explain the ways of curing, pre-tanning, tanning, post-tanning and finishing process
 Compare the different tanning technologies
 Explain the steps in the leather manufacturing processes

Course Content:

Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 World animal statistics
1.2 Defects of skins and their causes
1.3 Breeding and crossbreeding patterns
Chapter 2:Skin histology and structure
2.1 Structure and chemical composition
2.2 Physiological function of skin components
2.3 Histology of hides and skins
2.4 Collagen-amino acid composition
2.5 Principal structural characteristics and non collagenous proteins and non protein constituents
Chapter 3: Microorganisms and Curing
3.1Growth requirements and phases in growth of bacteria, microscopic fungi(mould) and yeasts
3.2 Effects of microorganisms on leather production
3.3 Theory of curing
Chapter 4: Beam house
4.1 Physico-chemical changes in skin structure during soaking, liming, deliming, bating,
degreasing and pickling
4.2 Rehydration, osmotic swelling and plumping, lyotropic swelling, depilation, opening up of
fiberstructure
Chapter 5:Tanning process
5.1 Inorganic tanning agents chromium, zirconium and aluminium
5.2 Organic tanning agents‘ formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, code oil, vegetable tannins,
synthetic tannins
5.3 Factors affecting diffusion and fixation of inorganic and organic tanning agents to collagen
5.4 Combination tannages

Chapter 6 Post tanning process

6.1 Introduction to retanning agent
6.2 Introduction of dyestuff and fatliquor chemistry
6.3 Reaction between dyestuff and collagen
6.4 Types and properties fatliquor
Chapter 7 Finishing
7.1 Colour theory
7.2 Chemical constitution and properties different finishing types
7.3 Reactive finishes

Chapter 8 Leather testing and analysis

8.1 Properties of the finish coating
8.2 Physical and organoleptic test
8.3 Chemical analysis of leather

Continuous Assessment:
 Tests 40%
 Quiz 10%
 Final Exam 50%
Text book and references:
Text book
> Covington, T and William R Wise, W.R. (2020) Tanning chemistry: the science of
leather, 2nd ed, London, RSC
> Carmen Gaidau, C. and Dalmases, A.B. ( 2015) Applicative chemistry of tanning
metallic heterocomplexes, Sharjah, Bentham Science Publishers
> Trotman,S.R. (2017) Leather Trades Chemistry: A Practical Manual on the Analysis
of Materials and Finished Products,( ISBN-13 : 978-0266035930)