smoke tanning
A method of tannage used in combination with an
oil tannage, whereby the fat-saturated skins are
subjected to the smoke of wood fires. The smoke
from the charring wood contains aldehydes,
acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde, which have tanning
properties. The heat also assists in the oxidation
of the oil, promoting further aldehyde and polymer
production. Some volatile tarry substances also
often become included in the skin. Smoke tanning,
simply because it involves aldehyde formation from
the partial oxidation of woody materials, can be
used to tan hides and skins without the need to
use fats. Although a minor tannage method, it is
still being used in North and South America, as
well as in China. (291 )
![[CoOL]](/icons/sm_cool.gif){kind=icon}