Chrome-free Zeolite Tanning Agent CAS 68989-22-0
Chrome-free Zeolite Tanning Agent (CAS 68989-22-0) is a modified aluminosilicate mineral powder used in place of chromium salts. Tumbled in the tanning drum, it bonds to hide collagen and raises shrink temperature to 85–90 °C — enough for standard footwear, garment and upholstery leather — and leaves a pale wet-white crust that dyes brighter than chrome wet-blue, with no chromium in wastewater or sludge. We supply powder and suspension grades in 25 kg kraft bags, 200 kg drums or bulk bags; name the leather type and process and we will recommend grade and dosage.
- CAS: 68989-22-0
- Synonyms: Zeolite tanning agent; chrome-free mineral tanner; aluminosilicate tanning agent
- Chemical Type: Modified aluminosilicate mineral tanning system
- Appearance: Off-white fine powder; milky white suspension
- Active Content (SiO₂ + Al₂O₃): ≥ 45.0% (powder grade)
- pH (10% Dispersion): 3.5 – 5.0
- Core Uses: Chrome-free wet-white tanning; pre-tanning and retanning auxiliary
- Packaging: 25 kg kraft bag with PE liner; 200 kg drum; bulk bag, custom packing available
What This Tanning Agent Does
This is a mineral tanning powder that replaces chromium salts in the tannery drum. It binds the hide fibers so the leather holds together and reaches a shrink temperature of 85-90 °C, which covers most footwear, garment and upholstery work. The leather comes out pale (wet-white) instead of the blue of chrome leather, so it dyes to brighter shades, and the process leaves no chromium in wastewater or sludge.
Where Tanneries Use It
- Main tanning for metal-free wet-white leather. Footwear linings, garments, furniture and car interiors, plus baby, medical and pet goods; meets REACH and OEKO-TEX restricted-substance requirements.
- Pre-tanning and retanning support. Opens the fiber structure for even penetration, tightens the grain and adds a light filling feel.
- Lower-impact production. No chromium sludge, simpler effluent treatment and easier sustainability certification.
Powder Grade Specifications
| Test Item | Standard Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Off-white fine powder |
| Active SiO₂ + Al₂O₃ | ≥ 45.0% |
| Particle Size (325 mesh pass) | ≥ 98% |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 8.0% |
| pH (10% Aqueous Dispersion) | 3.5 – 5.0 |
| Typical Shrink Temperature (standard dosage) | 85 – 90 °C |
Storage, Packaging and Ordering
- Keep sealed in a cool, dry place below 30 °C; the powder absorbs damp air and cakes. Suspension grades must not freeze. Stir gently before use.
- Packaging: 25 kg kraft bags with PE liners, 200 kg drums for suspension, bulk bags for large orders; non-hazardous cargo.
- COA, TDS and SDS with every order; samples available; quotes within one working day. Related tannery auxiliary: Sodium Formate CAS 141-53-7.
FAQ
Q: Can zeolite tanning fully replace chrome tanning for all leather types?
A: It reaches 85-90 °C, fine for most standard leather; heavy sole leather may need a boost.
Q: How does zeolite tanned leather compare to chrome tanned in color?
A: Pale wet-white, much lighter than blue chrome leather, so dyes come out brighter.
Q: Is zeolite tanning more environmentally friendly than chrome?
A: Yes: no chromium, no toxic sludge, simpler effluent and biodegradable waste leather.
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