algarobilla
The dry pods of a shrub native to Chile
(Caesalpinia brevifolia), from which a tannin is
extracted. As a tanning material, algarobilla
somewhat resembles DIVI-DIVI ; however,
it is less prone to discolor the leather. It also
produces a better weight and imparts greater
firmness to leather. Algarobilla gives a
light-colored tan liquor which before fermentation
colors leather slightly to a light reddish yellow;
however, after fermentation it produces a very
bright color. It is usually blended with other
tannins. Although algarobilla is one of the
pyrogallol class of tannins, it penetrates the
hide substance very rapidly, and has a fairly low
natural pH and salts content and a relatively high
acids content. The tannin content of the pods is
generally in the range of 45-50%. See also: VEGETABLE TANNINS ,
(175 )
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