The Effect of Amphoteric Polymers on Dyestuff Consumption

Abstract

In recent years, the importance and use of wet-white tanning technology have increased due to the increase in environmental and health concerns. On the other hand, this technology still has problems related with fixation of dyestuff and fatliquoring agents during wet-end processes. In this study, the effect of the use of different commercial amphoteric retanning agents in different ratios on dyestuff consumption was investigated. For this purpose, amphoteric polymers were used at the beginning of dyeing process of syntan tanned leathers and the concentrations of remaining dyestuff after the process have been measured using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer for each trial. From the results it was concluded that the use of amphoteric polymers in retanning of wet-white tanned leathers significantly decreased the remaining dyestuff in the floats. Also, the physical and mechanical properties of the final leather were not adversely affected up to the use of 6 wt% the amphoteric polymer.