A cleaning and efficient approach to improve wet-blue sheepleather quality by enzymatic degreasing

摘要

Enzyme is a green, efficient and easily degradable substance. In the present investigation, the papain and 100-c enzyme instead of part of surfactants were used in degreasing process. The results indicated that when wet-blue sheepleather was treated by the enzymatic compound, protein content in the effluent was about 9 times more than that of the non-ionic degreasing agent with less damage to collagen. Moreover, the degreasing rate for enzyme degreasing was 40.1% which was much higher than that of non-ionic degreasing agent. Mechanical properties of the crust leather treated by enzymatic compound were matchable to those treated by non-ionic degreasing agent. Color difference values of the leather indicated that the wet-blue sheepleather was easy to be dyed after being treated by enzymatic compound. The K/S value of the leather treated by enzymatic compound was much higher than that treated by non-ionic degreasing agent. Histological analysis of wet-blues visually showed efficient fat removal by enzymatic compound. Enzymatic compound used in degreasing of greasy wet-blues could improve the leather' quality. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.