Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question is about the application of colloid chemistry in industrial processes, specifically in leather tanning.
We need to identify the nature of the electrical charge on animal skin (hide) particles and tannin particles.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Tanning is a process that involves the mutual coagulation of oppositely charged colloidal particles.
When a positively charged colloid is mixed with a negatively charged colloid, their charges neutralize each other, leading to precipitation or hardening.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
• Animal hides are raw skins containing proteins. In acidic or neutral media during processing, these proteinaceous fibers form a positively charged colloidal system.
• Tannin is a naturally occurring polyphenolic substance obtained from plants. It forms a negatively charged colloidal solution in water.
• When animal skin (positively charged) is soaked in tannin (negatively charged), mutual coagulation of these oppositely charged colloids occurs.
• This coagulation results in the cross-linking of protein fibers, which hardens the leather and prevents decay.
• Thus, X is positively charged and Y is negatively charged.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Animal skin is positively charged and tannin is negatively charged.