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Unlocking the Secrets of Splinterwood: How to Turn This Tree into a Durable Leather Tanner?
Quebracho is a hardwood originating from the Gran Chaco region of South America, particularly known for its toughness and high tannin content. The tree's name comes from the Spanish word "quiebrahacha," meaning "broken axe," a reference to its toughness and the wear and tear on tools used in felling. The various species of sapwood not only play an important role in the wood industry, they are also an indispensable material in the leather tanning process.
The wood of the axe is reddish in colour and extremely hard, making it ideal for furniture, flooring and high-quality leather.
Among the many species of hackberry, Schinopsis lorentzii and Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco stand out. These woods are not only hard, but also rich in tannins, which can be extracted through a process of juicing and steaming and then used in leather tanning. The tannins from the wood of the sapwood are naturally high in molecular weight, making them effective in producing durable, neutral and breathable leathers.
Tannin extraction from sapwood
The heartwood of the hacklewood is used to extract the tannins, a process that involves shaving the log into sawdust, which is then boiled in a pot. Different types of extracts have different uses, among which cold-soluble tannins are more popular in the market and are widely used in the leather industry. The chemical structure of these extracts is generally described as epicatechin polymers, showing rapid penetration and high tannin content.
The tannins in the wood not only improve the quality of the leather, but also make it tighter and more tear-resistant, giving the user a pleasant touch.
At the same time, these tannins are low in acidity and salt content, so they are classified as mild tannins. Its improvement effect on leather makes it an indispensable material in the production of products such as belts and clothing. The latest research shows that the tannins of sapwood also have strong anti-mutagenic activity, making it an environmentally friendly material choice.
History and Business of Axewood
As early as 1867, French leather merchant Emilio Poisier discovered the tanning properties of sapwood and in 1895 its extract was exported to Europe, where it quickly became the world's main source of vegetable tanning agents. However, driven by its economic value, the logging of sapwood has led to large-scale deforestation and serious damage to the ecosystem.
However, as people's awareness of environmental protection increases, how to find a balance between commercial interests and ecological protection has become an important issue at present.
The wood of the hacklewood is not only used for leather tanning, but is also often used to produce high-quality barbecue charcoal. The rich aroma of the wood of the axe can give grilled food a unique flavor, attracting the favor of many barbecue lovers.
Future Challenges and Opportunities
With the changing market demands and increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the sustainable harvesting and utilization of wood is facing challenges. In the near future, how to strike a balance between economic, environmental and social responsibilities and use existing technologies for more environmentally friendly development will become the focus of research.
What do you think will be the biggest challenges for the future use and preservation of this hard wood?
