Abstract

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) are new-generation solvents with excellent characteristics that make them preferable and potential substitutes for conventional and industrial reagents. They have found many industrial applications because of their superb tuneable characteristics. Due to these properties, they could serve as potential substitutes for conventional leather manufacturing chemicals. This work sought to review the possible applications of deep eutectic solvents in the various stages of the leather manufacturing process. From studies carried out, when DESs were used for tanning, the chromium content of the samples were 3.04, 2.27, 3.43, and 3.53 % for conventionally chrome-tanned, ChCl: CrCl₃·6H₂O, Urea: CrCl₃·6H₂O, and Urea: KCr(SO₄)₂·10H₂O respectively. Also, the shrinkage temperatures were 109, 71, 80, and 83 ^oC for conventionally chrome-tanned, ChCl: CrCl₃·6H₂O, Urea: CrCl₃·6H₂O, and Urea: KCr(SO₄)₂·10H₂O respectively. The use of DESs removed the tanning solvent from the process, increased the efficiency of chromium salt uptake into the hide, and minimised the treatment of aqueous effluent.