Utilization of Chestnut Shell Wastes as a Dyeing Agent for Leather Industry

In this study, extraction of dyestuff from chestnut shell wastes and dyeing properties were investigated. Firstly, feed/solvent (F/S): 1/10-1/20 (g/ml), time: 1-2 h, solvent: water, water+NaOH (2.5%, 5%, 10%) parameters at 90°C were examined for the extraction of chestnut shell. 43.61% extraction yield was obtained in water+10% NaOH, F/S: 1/10 at 90°C for 1 hour as optimum parameters. Chestnut shell extract produced in optimum conditions was used as a dyeing agent in leather process. Potassium aluminium sulphate [KAl(SO4)2.12H2O], copper sulphate [CuSO4.5H2O] and Ferro sulphate [FeSO4.7H2O] mordants were used after dyeing process to increase the fastness properties of leather. Rub, perspiration and light fastnesses were examined on the dyed leathers. Colour measurements of leathers were also carried out with Konica Minolta CM-3600d spectrophotometer. Mordants did not show significant effect on colour but fastness values varied by the used mordant types.