This research evaluated the effect of different methods (fillet skin removal and tanning methods [with or without chromium salts and bioleather]) on leather resistance characteristics of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Skin from 40 tilapias (450 g) were removed: 20 by pliers and 20 by machine. After skin tanning, the samples were removed for resistance tests, which were done, in a climatized environment (23ºC) and 50% air relative humidity, with EMIC dynamometer, at removal speed of 100 ± 20 mm/mm. No effect of fillet skin removal method on progressive tearing and strength was observed. The method of skin removal by machine resulted in greater (88.48%) elongation than that removed by pliers (71.09%). Skin tanned with chromium salts (25.54 N/mm; 12.18N/mm²) had higher resistance than that tanned without chromium (bioleather) (13.11 N/mm; 9.89 N/mm²). Chromium- and bioleather tanned skins may be used in clothes manufacture since average values of strength, elongation and progresive tearing are higher than 9.80N/mm², 60% and 14.72 N/mm, respectively, which are values recommended for leathers tanned with chromium salts.
bioleather skin; fillet skin removal; physical and mechanical tests; skin quality; skin resistance
