THE QUALITY OF LOCAL SHEEP SKIN AND LEATHER WITH DIFFERENT DRYING METHODS

Abstract

Leather processing manufacture is a fast growing industry and has become an
export commodity in Indonesia. The technology of leather processing in the
manufacture has been well developed, however the quality of processed leather still
varies, depends on the quality of preserved skin/hide itself (commonly salt
preservation). Drying method has not widely used, although in fact this technique
can be quite cheaper and easier for tropical condition. This experiment aims to study
the effect of drying method using sunshine, fan and AC (air-conditioner) on physical
quality of dried skin and leather of female local sheep (1-2 years old). The results
shows that the average of water contents of skins were 23.9%, 26.6% and 25.6%,
respectively for sun, fan and AC drying. The water contents dropped from around
65% to the lowest level afier day 1, 2 and 3 for the treatments. In terms of physical
quality, the tensile strength and elasticity of finished leather were 264.21 kg/cm2
and 65.3% for sunshine treatment; 346.2 kg/cm’ and 63% for fan drying and 386.9
kg/cm2 and 65.33% for AC method. Both physical parameters were significantly
similar between treatments (P>0.05). It is concluded that drying technique using the
three methods were all decreased water content as required (10-16 %). With similar
tensile strength and elasticity between drying treatments, the three drying
technologies can be considered as a preservation technique, but with a consideration
of cost and skill to use the technologies.