THE USE OF FICUS PLATYPHYLLA (BARK) AS A TANNNG MATERIAL IN THE PRODUCTION OF SHOE UPPER LEATHER
Abstract
With Acacia nilotica pod serving as a control, this research work focuses on the tanning of shoe upper leather using Ficus platyphylla(bark). The goal of the study was to identify a different, environmentally friendly tanning process that does not require chrome and still yields high-quality leather. Extracts from Acacia nilotica(pod) and Ficus platyphylla(bark) were used to tan sheep skin. The quality and suitability of the tanned leathers for the production of shoe uppers were then assessed by testing them for tensile strength, elongation strength, and shrinkage temperature. Similar to leather tanned with Acacia nilotica(pod), the results demonstrated that leather tanned with Ficus platyphylla(bark) exhibited good strength and heat resistance. This indicates that Ficus platyphylla(bark) can be utilized as a natural tanning agent that yields leather that is stiff and pliable enough to be used for shoe uppers. The study comes to the conclusion that Ficus platyphylla(bark) is a good, environmentally friendly, and locally accessible substitute for chrome tanning.
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