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The tanning industry faces significant challenges in quality control due to the complex transformations of leather, the anisotropic nature of the raw material, and the increasing adoption of innovative processes and materials in the tanning methods. In this study, it was possible to evaluate the applicability of a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technique such as near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy applied to the new generation of tanning products and processes as a potential technique for supporting product and process quality control activities. A microNIR sensor was employed to analyse intermediate leather samples, nano-functionalised finishing products, and tanning waters. By means of Principal Component Analysis (PCA), it was possible to differentiate tanned products with traditional processes and innovative methods. The same chemometric model was applied for process control when using nanostructured substances which helped to assess how effectively the nanostructured agents were incorporated into the final material. These results demonstrated how NIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometric models can provide real-time insights into traditional and innovative tanning processes, optimise resource consumption, and support sustainability in the leather industry.
Details
Collagen;
Spectrum analysis;
Principal components analysis;
Quality control;
Nondestructive testing;
Infrared spectroscopy;
Sensors;
Process controls;
Laboratories;
Supply chains;
Resource consumption;
Tanning industry;
Emission standards;
Zeolites;
Spectroscopy;
Leather;
Tanning;
Comparative analysis
1 Comprensorio Olivetti, SSIP - Stazione Sperimentale per l’Industria delle Pelli e delle Materie Concianti – Italian Leather Research Institute, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy (ROR: https://ror.org/03w1cd742) (GRID: grid.426534.2)
2 Comprensorio Olivetti, SSIP - Stazione Sperimentale per l’Industria delle Pelli e delle Materie Concianti – Italian Leather Research Institute, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy (ROR: https://ror.org/03w1cd742) (GRID: grid.426534.2); Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant’Angelo – Via Cintia, 21, 80126, Napoli, Italy (ROR: https://ror.org/05290cv24) (GRID: grid.4691.a) (ISNI: 0000 0001 0790 385X)
3 Assomac - National Association of Italian Manufacturers of Machinery and Accessories for Footwear, Leather Goods, and Tanneries – Vigevano, Vigevano, PV, Italy
4 ABCS Srl - Scientific Instruments & Materials Science, Viale Vittorio Veneto, 32, 20144, Milano, MI, Italy (ROR: https://ror.org/043esfj33) (GRID: grid.436009.8) (ISNI: 0000 0000 9759 284X)
5 Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte Sant’Angelo – Via Cintia, 21, 80126, Napoli, Italy (ROR: https://ror.org/05290cv24) (GRID: grid.4691.a) (ISNI: 0000 0001 0790 385X)
6 Department of Physics “E.R. Caianiello”, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy (ROR: https://ror.org/0192m2k53) (GRID: grid.11780.3f) (ISNI: 0000 0004 1937 0335); Centre NANO_MATES, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy (ROR: https://ror.org/0192m2k53) (GRID: grid.11780.3f) (ISNI: 0000 0004 1937 0335)