Optimization of tannin isolation from acorn and application in leather processing

• Extraction of valonea tannins was optimized and tanning properties were investigated.
• Yielded a tannin content of 62.03%.
• The filling coefficient of the extract (57.81%) was superior to the commercial valonea (52.83%).
• Extracted valonea enhanced the thermal stability (75.5 °C) of the collagen fibrils.
• Implicating the superiority in regards to vegetable tanning in leather industry.

The aim of this work was to optimize the extraction parameters of tannins from the acorns and the tanning properties. Experiments were planned to evaluate the effect of solvent/feed ratio (20–100 ml/g), time (2–10 h) and solvent mixture ratio (methanol–water) (0–100%) on extraction yields, tannin contents and total tannin amounts. Valonea tannin obtained under optimum conditions was applied to leather tanning process where filling coefficient (%) and shrinkage temperature (Ts) of the leathers were examined. Optimum extraction parameters were elicited as 100 ml/g for solvent/feed ratio, 6 h of process duration and solvent mixture ratio of 62% methanol–38% water. The filling coefficient of the leathers tanned with extracted valonea (57.81%) and the shrinkage temperature (75.5 °C) was superior to the commercial valonea (52.83%, 73 °C) implying the significant impact of process optimization. The tanning properties of the extracted valonea were satisfactory for the vegetable tanning in leather industry.

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