A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON PRESERVATION OF ANIMAL SKIN USING GAMMA IRRADIATION AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SALT CURING TECHNIQUE

The study on investigation of the physico-mechanical properties hide/skin (Sokoto red goat) using gamma ray irradiation as alternatives to salt curing preservation technique aims at converting flayed skin into state being resistant putrefaction and it is accomplished by destroying active bacteria. leather industry one largest contributors Nigeria’s economy requires more attention be given it. Despite its contribution nation, methods processing poses serious threat environment. Salt preservation, conventional method preserving practiced most tanners employs approximately 40-50% sodium chloride which subsequently removed environment during soaking operation this pollutes To overcome limitation such method, an eco-friendly was introduced, (Gamma ray) serves a safer ecofriendly alternative preservation. type tanning applied after vegetable Divi-divi(Caesalpinia coriaria) pods also eco-friendly. From research carried out, preserved had 21.878 N/mm2 300Gy, 3.27 Kg/cm2 0.33mm 350Gy, 75oC 200Gy, 0.537g/cm3 150Gy are highest values for tensile strength, resistance compression, indentation index, shrinkage temperature, apparent density respectively compared cured samples 23.963 N/mm2, 4.50 Kg/cm2, 0.23 mm 72oC, 0.515 g/cm3 index...