Oxidative Unhairing Composition for Low-Temperature Hide Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hair removal methods for animal hides and skins using traditional chemicals like sodium sulphide and hydrogen peroxide are environmentally harmful, costly, and result in lower quality leather, posing health risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A kit-of-parts using sodium carbonate-hydrogen peroxide (2/3) and activators like TAED and NOBS at low temperatures (20°C) to generate peroxyacids, achieving high pH levels and swelling for effective hair removal without damaging the hides, with mixtures stored and transported safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tanning agents (formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, genipin, tannic acid) are used for hair removal, then the hair removal effect is achieved, but the treatment time is excessively long (up to 72 hours) and the process is uncomfortable for the animal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the tanning agent by using a specific composition containing chromium nitrate, sulfuric acid, and hydrogen peroxide instead of conventional agents. This parameter change enables the same hair removal effect to be achieved in significantly reduced time (30-60 minutes) while improving comfort for the animal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydrogen peroxide as a strong oxidant in the tanning agent composition. This accelerates the oxidation process that removes hair from the hide, reducing the treatment time from hours to minutes while maintaining effective hair removal. The oxidant acts on the keratin in hair, breaking it down and facilitating its removal.
2Reliability
If conventional tanning agents are used, then hair removal is achieved, but the process causes excessive discomfort and stress to the animal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by replacing harsh conventional agents with a formulated solution containing chromium nitrate, sulfuric acid, and hydrogen peroxide in specific concentrations. This parameter change maintains hair removal effectiveness while reducing the harmful effects on the animal's skin and causing less discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of strong oxidants into a beneficial process. By controlling the oxidation process with hydrogen peroxide and chromium nitrate, the treatment becomes more comfortable for the animal while still achieving effective hair removal. The controlled oxidation avoids excessive tissue damage compared to conventional methods.
3Reliability
If multiple treatment steps are used to improve hair removal effectiveness, then the hair removal effect is enhanced, but the overall process time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple treatment functions into a single tanning agent application. The formulation combines hair removal, skin preparation, and tanning initiation in one step, eliminating the need for separate treatment stages. This integration maintains effectiveness while reducing process complexity and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The tanning agent composition serves multiple functions simultaneously: it removes hair through oxidation, prepares the skin surface, and initiates the tanning process. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate treatment steps, reducing overall process complexity while maintaining comprehensive effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves high-quality leather production with reduced environmental impact, health and safety improvements, and cost savings by using eco-friendly compounds at low temperatures, enabling waste recovery and easy handling.
Implementation Method 1
The tanning agent comprises hydrogen peroxide, which is used to oxidise the hide
Implementation Method 2
The tanning agent comprises chromium nitrate and sulfuric acid in a specific ratio, which enhances the oxidation process
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a tannery product designed to be introduced into a bath for oxidative hair removal treatment of animal hides and skins, comprising a perhydrate compound, an alkalizing agent and an activating agent. The object of the invention is also a method for oxidative hair removal of animal hides and skins by means of a treatment bath which uses a product of the type described, including at least the following step: introducing in said treatment bath at least one activator in proportion to the weight of the hide and skin to be treated between 0.0001 and 0.01, preferably up to 0.0025.