Md.

Samaul Alam
Lecturer
Leather Engineering
University of Dhaka
Unhairing and liming
Syllabus: Objectives, types, advantages and disadvantages, immunization of keratin, swelling of
collagen based on Dornan’s theory, mechanism of unhairing, sulphide free unhairing system,
enzymatic unhairing, control of enzymatic unhairing and advantages and, scope of hair utilization
or disposal, prevention of H2S emission from lime effluent.
Unhairing and liming:

The function of liming and unhairing is to remove hair, interfibrillary components and epidermis
and to open up the fiber structure. Hair removal is performed by chemical and mechanical means.
The keratinous material (hair, hair roots, epidermis) and fat are traditionally eliminated from the
pelts mainly with sulphides (NaHS or Na₂S) and lime. Alternatives to inorganic sulphides include
organic sulphur compounds such as mercaptans or sodium thioglycolate in combination with
strong alkali. Enzymatic preparations are sometimes added to improve the performance of the
process. The process of liming and unhairing can be carried out in process vessels such as drums,
paddles. mixers, or pits.

Painting and liming:

The aim of painting is to bring about the breakdown of the wool root within the skin so that as
much undamaged wool fiber as possible can be pulled easily from the pelt. Paint, generally
consisting of a mixture of sodium sulphide and lime, is applied to the flesh side of the skin and left
for several hours. Application of the paint can be through a spraying machine or manually. After
several hours, the wool can be 'pulled' from the skin, either manually or mechanically. After
pulling, the skins are limed in process vessels.

Objective:

(i) Unhairing: Liming removes the epidermis together with the hair growing in it and are thus
separated from the corium or true skin.
(ii) Dissolution of the cementing substance of the corium: The cementing substance is a
glycoprotein which is soluble in alkali and makes the final leather pliable and soft.

(iii) Splitting up of the fibre bundles into individual fibres and also splitting up of the individual
fibres into fibrils: This is necessary for satisfactory tannage.

(iv) Saponification of grease: Hides and skins contain natural fat. This fat is saponified and is
converted into lime soap by the action of lime. The lime soap is not completely removed by
washing the limed hides. It is mechanically removed by scudding and fleshing.

(v) Swelling and plumping:

(a) The pelts become hard and rubbery, and resist the forces of compression. especially noticeable
in the denser area of the pelt, e.g. butt area. This rubbery resistance to compressive force is due to
the phenomenon of plumping.

(b) A swollen condition of individual fibre is also set upon bringing forth an extreme thickening
(consequently shortening) of the fibre structure. In short, the pelts increase in thickness and lose
their overall area.

(c) In addition, there is an increase in the weight due to the absorption of water by the hides.

A distinction is made between swelling and plumping. In an alkaline liquor (also in acid liquor)
water absorbed by the pelt remains in two forms. A part of the water remains in the free state and
a part is chemically combined with the collagen fibre. The free water gives rise to plumping. The
free water can be pressed out of the pelt by a pressure of 8000 lbs. per square inch. It is introduced
into the pelt by osmotic pressure which is controlled by the pH value of the liquor. The combined
water cannot however be pressed out unless the pressure is increased to 38,000 lbs. per square
inch. This combined water causes swelling. Both plumping and swelling take place at the regular
pH range of the unhairing bath.

Swelling and plumping of the pelt in lime liquor are essential factors for making satisfactory
leather. They not only open up the texture of the hides and skins by splitting up of the fibre bundles
and the fibres already alluded to, but also increase the thickness. The required degree of swelling
and plumping is different for different kinds of leather and have to be adjusted accordingly.
Swelling and plumping increase in liquors of higher pH: for instance, in lime liquors sharpened
with sodium sulphide swelling is more than in unsharpened straight lime liquors. Due to the
absorption of water hides and skins increase in weight after liming. The increase is about 8 to 20%
in the case of buffalo hides and 5 to 10% in the case of cow hides. The opening up of the fibre
structure and the degree of swelling and plumping control area yield, grain character and
temper of leather.

Liming process:

Amount of chemicals Name of the chemicals Runtime

200% Water
0.3% Degreasing Agent 2/3 Days with regular hawling
0.1% Liming enzyme of 5 min/hr.
1% Liming auxiliary
3.5% Sodium Dilute with
sulphide water and give
4% Lime at least in 2
feed, 4 feed
better
Drain , wash well, scudding, fleshing
Painting & Liming
8% Lime
2% Na2S
0.5% LD-600
Water is required to make paste.
Water is applied to the flesh side of the skin by hands. Pile flesh to flesh for 4-6 hours or
overnight.
300% water
4% lime
1% Na2S
0.2% LD-600 run=90 min
Leave the bath for 2-3 days with regular hauling .Drain and wash
Advantages:

1. Effective Hair Removal: Liming and unhairing are crucial steps in leather processing that
effectively remove hair and other unwanted substances from the hides or skins, resulting
in cleaner and smoother leather.

2. Improved Softness and Flexibility: The liming process helps break down the proteins in
the skin, making it softer and more flexible. This enhances the quality of the leather, making

3. Enhanced Absorption of Tanning Agents: Liming opens up the fibers of the hide or skin,
allowing tanning agents to penetrate more deeply and evenly during the subsequent tanning
process. This results in leather with better color retention and increased resistance to wear
and tear.

4. Reduced Bacterial Growth: Liming not only removes hair but also helps to kill bacteria
and other microorganisms present on the hides or skins. This reduces the risk of
contamination and spoilage during the processing stages.

5. Easier Handling and Processing: Unhairing and liming make the hides or skins more pliable
and easier to handle during subsequent processing stages such as fleshing

Disadvantages:

1. Environmental Impact: Liming and unhairing processes involve the use of harsh chemicals
such as lime and sulfides, which can have a significant environmental impact if not
properly managed. These chemicals can pollute waterways and soil, leading to ecosystem
damage and health hazards.

2. Health Risks to Workers: The chemicals used in liming and unhairing can pose health risks
to workers if proper safety measures are not implemented. Exposure to sulfides, for
example, can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

3. Increased Water Consumption: Liming and unhairing require significant amounts of water
for soaking and rinsing the hides or skins. This can contribute to water scarcity issues in
regions where water resources are limited and increase the environmental footprint of
leather production.
 4. Potential for Waste Generation: The byproducts of liming and unhairing, such as lime
sludge and hair waste, can pose disposal challenges. Improper disposal of these waste
materials can lead to pollution and environmental degradation.

5. Risk of Overprocessing: If not carefully controlled, prolonged exposure to liming and

unhairing chemicals can weaken the structure of the hide or skin, leading to overprocessing
and reduced quality of the final leather product. This can result in leather that is prone to
tearing, cracking, or other defects.

• Lime is the main product of liming process. Lime mainly content with 65-75% (CaO) quick
lime. So, transportation of quick lime to different tanneries is a problem. Quick lime
becomes insoluble calcium carbonate by absorbing atmospheric CO₂ and moisture. Many
other organic and inorganic acids, salts used in liming process.
• The inorganic soluble chemicals like acids, salts alkalies change he pH of the receiving
water which is not desirable. Normally, the survival of fishes the pH value of the receiving
water should be (5-9) but it is difficult to maintain the pH if weak acid both organic and
inorganic is added with water because weak acids are more toxic than strong mineral acids
which can kill fishes.
• The high salinity of the discharged water from a tannery is harmful to the growth of
vegetation as much as sea water is unsuitable for irrigation.
• The temperature of water rise much more rapidly in sunlight as the dark acts an infra-red
absorber. Dissolved organic matters consume a large amount of dissolved oxygen into their
chemical matrix. Thus, the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water is lowered and the
water becomes incapable of supporting fish or other aquatic life, which need dissolved
oxygen for their survival.

Types of Unhairing:

Five methods of dehairing are generally adopted viz. (1) clipping process, (2) scalding process, (3)
chemical process (4) sweating process and (5) enzymatic dehairing process.

1. Clipping process
This is carried out by clipping the wool of the sheep by a suitable machine when the animal is
either alive or dead. Although best grade wool is obtained by clipping, it generally results in a loss
of at least 15-20% wool. Wool obtained by clipping is not as long as that obtained by either painting
or sweating as the portion left in the skin has got no value.

2. Scalding process

Thermal Unhairing: Skins are immersed in warm water (55°C - 60°C) for a short time to loosen
hair without harming the skin itself. Used primarily for pig skins to remove bristles.

Quick Grain Removal: Limed pig skins are rapidly passed between heated rollers (160°C - 200°C)
for a very short duration (0.05 - 1.0 sec). This denatures grain proteins, resulting in soft and uniform
surfaces.

3. Chemical process

• Chemical process involves painting skins with lime-sulphide mixture on flesh side.
• Application methods for paint vary, including brush application.
• Skins are piled flesh to flesh and kept at room temperature under moist gunny bag until hair
loosens.
• Wool recovered from this process may be damaged due to high alkalinity and sulphide action.
• Lime-sodium sulphide process aims to remove hair, dissolve cementing substances, saponify
skin lipids, split fiber bundles, and swell adipose tissue.
• Additives like sodium sulphide, arsenic sulphide, etc., aid hair removal.
• Alternatives to lime-sulphide include chlorinedioxide (ClO) and other oxidative unhairing
processes.
• Various unhairing systems like Na₂S-Ca(OH)₂, Na₂S-Na2O2, and enzymes have been compared
for efficiency and environmental impact.
• Dimethylamine sulphate lime liquor yields better fiber structure compared to enzymatic
methods.
• New methods like using organic reducing agents instead of sodium sulphide result in lower
sulphide levels in effluent.
• Recovery of bleached wool from sheep skin trimmings involves dissolving the skin using
chromium ions and hydrogen peroxide.
• Effluent from lime-sulphide process poses environmental challenges due to alkalinity, hydrogen
sulphide, and high COD/BOD levels.
• Hair-saving methods like sweating and enzymatic unhairing are explored to address effluent
disposal and environmental concerns.

4. Sweating process
Fresh or soaked skins are kept in suitable chambers with controlled temperature and humidity for
4-5 days until enzymes from bacteria attack the epidermis and hair roots, loosening the hair. The
process occurs in a sweat pit or closed damp room, with temperature control using steam pipes and
water sprinkling. There are two methods: Cold sweat (around 21°C) and Warm sweat (about 27°C).

The sweating process maximizes high-quality wool yield but is slow and hard to control, risking
pelt damage if enzyme action isn't halted in time. Ideal results rely on specific bacteria attacking
only epidermis and hair roots without harming collagen, yet strict control is challenging.

Studies show bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis initially and Proteus vulgaria later, digest basal hair
cells during sweating. Pseudomonas bacteria effectively loosen hair, attacking from the flesh side.
Though ammonia forms during sweating, it's not the primary cause of hair loosening. Wool fibers
remain unaffected, with only the sheath surrounding them destroyed, allowing for complete hair
root recovery.

5. Enzymatic dehairing

Proteolytic enzymes are widely used in various industries, with approximately 50% of industrial
process aids being proteolytic enzymes. They are derived from microbial, animal, and plant
sources and are applied alone or in combination to effectively remove hair from hides and skins.
Proteolytic enzymes are more efficient than amylolytic enzymes for this purpose, making them
more commonly used.

The Difference between Hair burn and hair save unhairing & liming system:

The selective protease enzyme-based hair save unhairing can avoid hair burn process using lime
and sodium sulfide. The enzymatic unhairing processes are aimed at removing non-collagenous
proteins and proteoglycans in addition to fiber opening, the mechanism of enzymatic process is
distinct from that of the chemical-based hair burn process. Only 25% of the weight of the hides is
collagen while the rest of it is constituted by impurities of no big commercial value, which need
to be eliminated from the skin or hide so as to obtain a pure collagen matrix for making leather.
Actually, the beamhouse processes can be defined as collagen purification stages. There are
essentially two types of process exist for unhairing and liming; the more traditional is the 'hair
burn' process in which the aims is to degrade and dissolve all of the hair and increase the volume
of sulphide & nitrogen content of effluent and produce high amount of sludge after treatment. On
the other side newly develop 'hair save' process in which the aim is to degrade the root of the hair
and thus releasing the hair shaft in intect condition and which is recovered and separated by
screening. The recovered hair is not a waste but a valuable organic fertilizer. In China recovered
hair uses to produce protein systans for retanning of leather.

Immunization of keratin:

According to modem concept, keratin is hydrolysed in alkaline solution and gives a sulphenic acid
group and a thiol group.

(1) In alkali alone, the sulphenic acid groups perhaps react with the basic side chains of lysine
residues with the formation of new cross linkages.

(2) Eck and Schober's observation that alkali treated keratin restored the colour of Schiff's reagent
indicated the presence of aldehydic group (CHO) in ruptured parts of keratin. These chemists
therefore advocated the following reactions.
(3) In used lime liquor both sulphur and lanthionine are found This can be exlplined by the
following reactions:

(4) In 1943 Mizel and Harris jointly explained that alkali does not disturb the -S-S-linkage of
keratin, rather it breaks the linkage bet

Swelling of collagen:

Dornan's theory, proposed by W.J. Dornan in 1940, suggests that the swelling of collagen fibers in
connective tissues is primarily due to the absorption of water molecules by the polar groups present
in the collagen molecule. The amino acid composition of collagen includes many polar groups,
such as hydroxyl (-OH) and amine (-NH2) groups, which can form hydrogen bonds with water
molecules. According to Dornan's theory, when collagen fibers are exposed to water, the polar
groups on the collagen molecules interact with water molecules through hydrogen bonding. This
interaction causes the collagen fibers to swell as water molecules are absorbed into the structure,
leading to an increase in the volume of the tissue.

Collagen possesses numerous charged groups, rendering it a polyelectrolyte or, more precisely, an
ampholyte—bearing both positive and negative charges. At low pH, collagen behaves like a cation,
while at high pH, it behaves like an anion. When pH is lowered from the isoelectric point by adding
acid, carboxyl groups lose their charge while amino groups remain positively charged. This leads
to repulsive forces between excess positive charged amino group sidechains, causing swelling in
acidic conditions. Conversely, in alkaline conditions, amino groups are neutralized by alkali,
allowing negatively charged carboxyl groups to predominate, generating repulsive forces and
swelling.

Swelling is stronger in acidic conditions due to the narrow pH region where carboxyl groups are
uncharged while all amino groups are charged, reaching maximum swelling at around pH 2.5.
Crosslinking greatly affects swelling; hides from older animals, more crosslinked, may swell less
than those from younger animals under the same conditions. Alkaline swelling during liming
increases with higher alkali concentration, longer treatment duration, and lower temperature.
In the tanning process literature, the float length in connection with a given offer of alkaline
compounds is reported, influencing the degree of swelling. Depression of swelling in alkaline
regions occurs only at very high alkalinity concentrations. Conversely, in acidic regions, swelling
increases with time and lower temperatures. Swelling, if fiber structure remains intact, can make
hide pieces hard and highly elastic—a significant consideration in hide treatment processes.

Mechanism of unhairing:

The hair structure consists of the bulb, root, shaft, and tip. Chemical reactions on hair vary in these
areas. In the follicle, keratins are soft and not fully crosslinked, making them susceptible to alkali
and reducing agents. The hair shaft is inert due to crosslinked keratin and is less affected by
chemicals. The hair tip, with its smaller diameter, exposes more surface area and is more vulnerable
to chemical action. Mild reducing systems mainly affect the follicle, facilitating hair removal
without damaging the shaft or tip. Sharp liming systems with strong reducing agents like sodium
sulfide cause rapid destruction of hair, starting from the tip and progressing towards the root. If
not precise, this can lead to matting and difficulty in subsequent processing.

Action of sharpening agents during a

hair-saving system in a mild liming
system. The epidermis and soft
keratins in the hair follicle are slowly
dissolved and the hair is removed by
the root, leaving a clean follicle.

Action of sharpening agents in a very

strong liming system. The chemical
action is strong enough to destroy the
hair. The tip of the hair, having the
greatest ex posed surface, is destroyed
first with the rest following. Softened
hair shafts remain in the hair follicie.

Windus and Showell have reported the explanation of mechanism of unhairing as a nucleophilic
displacement. The general basis of the nucleo- philic reaction is the exchange of organic
components by a donation of elec- trons by a nucleophile. The general rule of the reaction is as
follows:

When interpreting this as an unhairing action and the action of the sulfides, the following reaction
can be considered:

The difference appears to be slight. However, the nucleophilic approach can be used for the
explanation of the unhairing action of dimethylamine by the following reaction:

The unhairing activity of specific materials can be listed in decreasing order, and this is
consistent with their ability to act as nucleophiles. The activity of a material to act as a
nucleophile depends upon its pH. Using this new theory as a basis should point to the
development of new unhairing agents.

Lime blast:

When the hides are hauled from the lime liquor and kept exposed to air on the floor, calcium
carbonate is formed on the pelt surface and inside the hair-pits. This is lime blast. It is not always
possible to remove this lime blasts from pelt during the next operations and may create trouble
during tanning, dyeing and finishing. So, the limed pelts should not be kept exposed to air for a
long time. If necessary, the topmost limed hides should be kept on the pile with their flesh side out.

Sulphide free unhairing system:

Tanneries globally face challenges with decontaminating sulphide-containing beamhouse effluent
due to stringent environmental regulations. Scientists worldwide are exploring alternative
processes for unhairing and beamhouse treatments to achieve sulphide-free or sulphide-poor
systems. Newly developed systems often rely on enzymatic unhairing, unhairing with amines,
oxidative unhairing, and reductive unhairing using various reducing agents.

1. Unhairing with acids.

Unhairing with acids involves the use of substances like acetic acid or lactic acid, typically in
combination with enzymes produced by bacteria such as lactobacillus. In the sixties, Vivian from
LASRA, New Zealand, discovered the depilation effect of acetic acid, which was successfully
applied for dewooling sheepskins. Later, Schlösser and Heidemann found the unhairing activity of
lactobacillus cultures on cattle hides, leading to a process where lactic acid, along with enzymes,
effectively removes hair while preserving the integrity of the skin. The process typically takes
three days at temperatures between 28-32 °C, with a pH of 3.5-3.8 and 0.5% NaCl. Despite efforts,
no method has been found to expedite the process. This technique marks a significant advancement
in tanning processes, being the first step fully replaced by biotechnology.

2. Unhairing by oxidation.

In the early sixties, Rosenbusch introduced the concept of "Oxidativenthaarung," which involves
dissolving keratin by breaking down disulfide (S-S) bridges. This method utilized substances like
sodium chlorite or peracetic acid in an acidic solution to oxidize the hair and epidermis rapidly,
resulting in complete hair removal. Sodium chlorite, marketed as Imprapell by Hoechst, and
sodium peroxide were effective, but sodium chlorite's strong chlorine dioxide smell and higher
cost limited its use. Sodium peroxide, while successful, generates heat when dissolved in water
and can damage wooden drums. Despite challenges, oxidative agents like alkaline peroxide
solutions have been proven effective industrially for unhairing, leading to cleaner, more uniform
leather with softer texture due to collagen fiber network oxidation. Oxidized hair are more soluble,
facilitating filtration, and acidification can partially restructure the hair. Overall, oxidative
unhairing processes offer advantages over reducing methods, with potential for further
development in leather production.

3. Unhairing with trypsin.

Trypsin is effective in unhairing bovine hides, particularly after a short alkali pretreatment. Special
conditions can achieve unhairing in as little as one and a half hours. The process involves rubbing
a 1N NaOH solution onto the hair side for 10 minutes, followed by rubbing a 1% solution of
technical trypsin into the grain for another 10 minutes. After one hour of incubation at 33 °C, the
hairs can be easily removed with a stiff blade. Enzymatic hair loosening has also been studied in
sheep, where pre-alkalinisation significantly reduces the amount of enzyme needed for depilation.
However, using multiple enzyme systems does not necessarily improve unhairing further.
Enzymatic unhairing likely affects the basal membrane, composed of laminin, collagen IV, heparan
sulfate, and fibronectin. Collagen chemists' experience with enzyme-mediated splitting of laminin
and type IV collagen has helped in understanding dehairing, although uncertainties remain.
Technically well-unhaired pelts show no visible basal membrane, as demonstrated by staining
methods such as PAS and silver stain. Additionally, anchorin fibers linking the corium and
epidermis seem to disappear after liming and bating.

4. Amino compounds for unhairing.

Amines, like dimethylamine, were once used in the American leather industry but were removed
due to the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. Dimethylamine sulfate (DMAS) was effective
for liming hides, unhairing, and smoothing grain. Ethanolamines were later used, but nitroso
compounds were detected. Mixtures with sulfides or thiocompounds can be synergistic, helping
control swelling and unhairing without forming nitrosamines, as demonstrated by hydroxylamine.

5. Enzymatic unhairing.

Enzymatic unhairing is a specialized process in the leather industry that dates back to 1913.
Initially used for goat skins, it involves pretreating hides with alkali to enable enzymes to penetrate
and break down hair roots and the epidermis. Despite efforts to find more specific enzymes, none
have been discovered yet. Research has been conducted globally, including in Poland, China, and
Chemnitz, to explore this technique further.

Years of research by various groups, particularly in Darmstadt, have led to significant insights into
enzyme action on hides. Mixtures of enzymes are found to be most effective due to the complex
structure of keratin-collagen in the grain. However, achieving extensive degradation without
negatively affecting the leather's surface remains a challenge. Pretreatment with strong alkali is
essential but may result in some damage to the collagenous system and grain enamel.

While goat skin grain is relatively resistant to such hydrolysis, other species, including cattle hides,
are more susceptible. In Eastern countries like China, enzyme treatments have been used for pig
skins, occasionally resulting in damage to the grain. Ongoing research aims to optimize enzyme
treatments for various types of hides while minimizing surface damage.

Enzymes involved in the process of unhairing include:

1. Animal Protease
2. Plant Protease
3. Mold Protease
4. Bacterial Protease
5. Fungal Protease

Immobilized enzymes for Unhairing

Immobilized enzymes are widely utilized in various industries. For instance, papain immobilized
on collagen is used for chill proofing beer, while immobilized pepsin aids in the continuous
coagulation of skim milk.

One of the major benefits of immobilized enzymes is their ability to be reused. A groundbreaking
achievement occurred with the development of a new immobilized pancreatic enzyme product by
immobilizing activated pancreatic enzymes on a readily available support using a bifunctional
agent. This innovation led to a novel method for unhairing sheep skins, enabling the production of
grain garment leather. Furthermore, the efficient reuse of the immobilized enzyme product was
demonstrated three times in the unhairing operation.

Mode of application of enzymes in depilation

Three methods of application are commonly used in the depilation process - (i) paint method, (ii)
dip method and (iii) spray method.

In the paint method, enzyme solution mixed with inert material like kaolin is applied as a thin paste
on the flesh side of hides or skins. They are then stacked and covered with polythene sheets until
unhairing occurs, but this method requires significant labor.
In the dip method, hides or skins are immersed in enzyme solution in a pit or tub, resulting in
diluted solution and inadequate unhairing at backbone and neck.

A novel spraying technique offers advantages such as the ability to spray concentrated solutions,
easier enzyme entry, quicker processing of backbone and neck areas, no effluent, and almost
complete removal of adhering skin tissues after depilation.

Role of alkaline treatment in enzymatic unhairing

Researchers have historically emphasized alkaline pretreatment as a necessary step for enzymatic
unhairing in leather processing. However, studies have shown that enzymes from Aspergillus
parasiticus can efficiently loosen wool at neutral pH with the aid of activators, eliminating the need
for alkaline pretreatment. Further investigations have revealed that leathers produced without
alkaline pretreatment and liming exhibit comparable characteristics to conventionally treated
leathers. Various enzymatic dewooling and dehairing methods have been proposed, depending on
the type of enzyme and activating agents used.

Although alkaline treatment aids in hair removal by solubilizing cementing proteins, subsequent
alkaline treatment may be required to open up the weave pattern of hides. Swelling hides with lime
post-enzyme treatment is recommended to prevent drawn grain, and a second unhairing with lime
or sulphide may be necessary to remove fine hairs.

Advancements in enzyme technology have led to the development of stable alkaline proteases,
enabling simultaneous unhairing and swelling in a single step. Chemical-enzymatic liming and
unhairing methods have been found to yield hides with superior characteristics compared to
traditional procedures. This process involves a specific soaking method followed by unhairing
with proteolytic enzymes, resulting in wastes suitable for use as fertilizer after chromium salt
removal.

Mechanism of enzymatic Unhairing

Enzymatic unhairing, first explored by Ellis in 1945, involves the digestion of basal cells and
malpighian layer cells of the hair bulb. Studies indicate the release of sugar during unhairing, but
its correlation with depilatory activity remains uncertain. Enzymes attack the sheath and inner root
sheath, loosening hair progressively. Skin mucoids may play a role, as their removal reduces
cohesion in the skin structure. However, there is no significant correlation between hyaluronidase
activity and depilatory action. Certain enzymes, particularly those of bacterial origin, exhibit
powerful depilatory effects. Lysosomal enzymes, especially cathepsin D, likely contribute to hair
loosening, with proteolytic activity correlating significantly with depilatory action.

Enzymes penetrate skins differently depending on temperature and alkalinity, with flesh-side
penetration crucial for leather quality. Additionally, mechanical action influences enzymatic
depilation: increasing vibration and drum rotation decrease unhairing temperature and enzyme
amount but increase collagen loss.

In essence, enzymatic unhairing involves a complex interplay of enzymatic actions on various skin
components, with factors such as enzyme type, substrate specificity, skin penetration, and
mechanical effects influencing the overall depilatory process.

Advantages of enzymatic Unhairing

1. Preservation of hair/wool: It effectively saves both pelt and hair/wool in good condition,
making it a valuable method for preserving the quality of the materials.

2. Ease of handling: Enzymatic unhairing simplifies the handling of pelts, reducing

discomfort for tannery workers.

3. Effluent disposal: It helps in reducing the disposal problem associated with tannery
effluents, as the resulting effluent is better suited for biological purification due to its lower
pH value.

4. Simplified pretanning processes: Enzymatic unhairing can eliminate the need for further
liming, de-liming, and bating processes, streamlining the overall pretanning process.

5. Improved leather quality: Enzymatic unhairing can effectively remove defects from
materials like painted and sweated wools, resulting in higher-quality leather products.

6. Environmental impact: It reduces the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical
load of effluents, contributing to a more environmentally friendly tanning process.

7. Reduced waste: Enzymatic unhairing leads to lower waste production compared to

conventional methods, making it a more efficient and sustainable option.
Controlling parameters of enzymatic unhairing:

1. Enzyme concentration: The concentration of enzymatic solution used in the process

directly impacts the rate and efficiency of hair removal. Finding the optimal enzyme
concentration is essential for maximizing unhairing effectiveness while minimizing costs.

2. Temperature: Enzymatic activity is temperature-dependent. Controlling the temperature of

the enzymatic bath ensures optimal activity and unhairing efficiency. Typically,
temperatures around the optimal range for the specific enzymes used are maintained.

3. pH level: Enzymes exhibit maximum activity at specific pH ranges. Maintaining the pH

within the optimal range for the enzyme(s) being used is critical for maximizing their
effectiveness. pH adjustment may involve the addition of acids or bases to the unhairing
solution.

4. Treatment time: The duration of exposure to the enzymatic solution affects the degree of
hair removal. Finding the right balance between treatment time and efficiency is important
to achieve desired results without over-processing the material.

5. Agitation: Agitation or mixing of the enzymatic solution helps ensure uniform distribution
and contact between the solution and the material being treated. Proper agitation can
enhance the effectiveness of enzymatic unhairing.

6. Substrate preparation: Pre-treatment of the substrate, such as soaking or mechanical

agitation, can influence the accessibility of hair to the enzymatic solution and thus impact
the unhairing process.

7. Quality of enzymes: The quality and activity of the enzyme preparation used play a
significant role in the efficiency of enzymatic unhairing. Using high-quality enzymes with
appropriate activity levels is crucial for achieving consistent results.

Intact-Hair Utilization

1. Industrial applications: Hair waste can be utilized in various industries. For example, it can
be processed into useful materials such as animal feed additives, fertilizer, or compost.
Additionally, it has applications in the production of insulation materials, brushes, and
textiles.
 2. Agricultural use: Hair waste can be composted and used as a soil conditioner or fertilizer
due to its high nitrogen content. It can also be used in biogas production or as a substrate
for mushroom cultivation.

3. Bioenergy production: Hair waste can be converted into bioenergy through processes such
as anaerobic digestion or pyrolysis. These methods can generate biogas, bio-oil, or biochar,
contributing to renewable energy production and waste management.

4. Environmental applications: Hair waste can be used in environmental remediation efforts.

For example, it has been explored for its ability to absorb heavy metals from contaminated
water or soil due to its high sulfur content and surface area.

5. Art and craft: Hair waste can be repurposed for artistic or craft purposes. It has been used
in sculpture, jewelry, and other creative endeavors, adding a unique and sustainable
element to artistic expression.

6. Research and development: Ongoing research aims to discover new applications and
technologies for utilizing hair waste more efficiently. This includes exploring its potential
in fields such as biotechnology, materials science, and environmental engineering.

7. Regulatory compliance: Proper disposal of hair waste is necessary to comply with

environmental regulations and mitigate any potential negative impacts on ecosystems and
public health. Therefore, the scope also includes implementing effective waste
management strategies and adhering to legal requirements.

Prevention of H2S emission from effluent

1. Using Sulfide alternative use

2. pH Adjustment: Proper pH control of the effluent is crucial for minimizing H2S formation.
Adjusting the pH to the optimal range using alkalis or buffering agents can help mitigate
sulfide generation.

3. Aeration: Aerobic treatment methods, such as mechanical aeration or cascading water, can
promote the oxidation of sulfides to less odorous forms like sulfate ions. Enhancing oxygen
transfer in the effluent facilitates sulfide oxidation and reduces H2S emissions.
4. Chemical Oxidation: Implement chemical oxidation techniques to convert sulfides into less
odorous compounds. Chlorination or the addition of hydrogen peroxide can effectively
oxidize sulfides, mitigating H2S release.

5. Biological Treatment: Utilize biological treatment processes, such as activated sludge or

biofiltration, to biologically oxidize sulfides under aerobic conditions. Sulfide-oxidizing
bacteria metabolize H2S, reducing odor and toxicity in the effluent.

6. Sulfide Precipitation: Precipitate sulfides as metal sulfides or elemental sulfur by adding

metal salts or sulfur-oxidizing agents to the effluent. This immobilizes sulfides and
prevents their release into the atmosphere.

7. Covering and Containment: Enclose or cover liming and unhairing effluent storage tanks
and treatment units to minimize H2S exposure to the atmosphere. Proper containment
measures reduce odor emissions and protect surrounding environments.

8. Regular Maintenance: Conduct routine maintenance of equipment and infrastructure to

prevent sulfide buildup and address potential sources of H2S emissions. Clean pipelines,
pumps, and treatment units regularly to minimize sulfide release.

9. Monitoring and Control: Implement a comprehensive monitoring program to assess H2S

levels in the effluent and surrounding air. Install gas detectors and odor monitoring systems
to detect and control emissions effectively.