The effect of level concentration ceriops tagal on leather tanning of barramundi (lates calcarifer) fish skin on chemical, mechanical and leather morphology properties

Vegetable tanning is the most classical tanning process to give leather the most natural and environmental friendly characteristics. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of concentrations of Ceriops tagal as vegetable tanning material on chemical, mechanical, and leather morphology properties. The experiments were conducted by tanning the Barramundi fish skin using 15, 20 and 25% of Ceriops tagal followed by Aluminum 4%. The chemical, mechanical properties of the leather were analyzed and microscopic observation was also conducted. Microscopic observation with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) has been performed to investigate the grain characteristics and fibre structure of the tanned leather. The results of this study indicated that Ceriops tagal concentration affected on chemical and mechanical properties. The optimum result of this research was shown at the usage of 25 % Ceriops tagal. The results of analysis on the Barramundi fish skin showed the following properties: The chemical properties were tannin bound content of 31.1%; hide substance content of 37.68%; and degree of tannage of 82.96%. Their mechanical properties were tensile strength of (14.31±3.73 N/mm²); elongation at break of (62.68±9.33%); and tear strength of (587.85±141.25 N/cm).