Optimization of Tannin’s Extraction from Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Nut Testa for Use in Leather Tanning

Extensive researches have been conducted over the years, focusing on the use of vegetable tannins to reduce pollution caused by mineral tanning. Vegetable tannins have been utilized commercially, but they remain costly and are not easily accessible. The purpose of this study was to optimize the tannin’s extraction from cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nut testa using water in order to determine their suitability in leather tanning. Samples of cashew nut testa were collected randomly from cashew nut processors in Mtwara region, Southern Tanzania. They were shade-dried and ground into powder. Various ratio of powder/water (1:6, 1:9, 1:12 and 1:15) -on weight basis were made for extraction, maintained at a temperature of 70 0C for 90 minutes. Results showed that, depending on the extract ratios, different tannin concentrations were obtained which had an implication on tannin extracted from powder. Experiment was found solution with ratio 1:9 have shown to extract about 50.73% of total tannins presented on cashew nut testa powder followed by solutions with ratio 1:12, ratio 1:15, and ratio 1:6 extracted about 46.27%, 43.51% and 38.95% respectively. Suitability of various tannins solution extracted from cashew nut testa was tested using conventional tanning process on sheepskins. The physical properties of the resultant leathers were determined using the standard methods (TBS/ISO). Under given condition, it has shown that using the ratios of 1:6, 1:9, 1:12 and 1:15 resulted in leather with tensile strength ranging between 19.41+6.36 MPa and 43.00+8.18 MPa and elongation at maximum load in the range of 34.48+10.12 % to 77.56+10.96 %., average shrinkage temperatures were above 75oC, and flexing test gave no damage of leather at 100,000 flexes. The physical properties of leather recorded have shown to meet the minimum recommended values from the standard (ISO 14931-2021). The mixing ratio 1:9 of cashew nut testa powder/water has been recommended for extracting tannin for vegetable tanning.