Soft leathers from Himantura stingray skins

Abstract

The preparation of soft leathers from chondrichthyes fish such as stingray is unfamiliar to tanners processing conventional animal skins. The dorsal portion of stingray skins with calcified denticles has a very attractive and beautiful appearance. Due to calcification of the skeleton, stingray skin is very hard and tough and retains its hardness even after tanning. The calcium content of raw stingray skin has been determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. SEM-EDAX investigations have been made on stingray denticles to reveal the mineral and structural characteristics. To prepare soft leathers from stingray skins a modified chrome tanning process has been adopted for better fibre opening and separation. Comparison skins were also processed by conventional chrome and vegetable tanning methods. SEM microscopy supported by histological examination of stingray skins and leathers supported the effectiveness of the new process.