Assessment of ultrasonic influence on titanium tanning leather stability

Ultrasound effects on titanium tanning of leather were studied. 30 kHz and 60 kHz ultrasound were applied to cattle skins during titanium tanning. The study included five different treatment conditions, examining effects such as leather shrinkage temperature (Ts), titanium content, and distribution. Heat loading was controlled. Results indicated that 30 kHz ultrasound improved titanium agent penetration and increased shrinkage temperature, while 60 kHz produced minimal improvements. A maximum shrinkage temperature of 107.9 oC was achieved using 30 kHz ultrasound pretreatment of tanning liquor, followed by 30 kHz ultrasound in the tanning mixture in a salt-free medium. Ultrasound was found to enhance titanium tanning and create superior mineral-tanned leather.