Abstract

Recent fundamental studies in these laboratories have been concerned with the range of relatively weak, reversible interactions, generally ternied “polar” interactions, which occur between hide collagen and its aqueous environment. These studies have provided further insight into the factors governing this reactivity. The interaction has wide significance in determining solubilities and properties of solutions, the solution structure of proteins as well as the interaction of hide collagen with technological materials such as vegetable tannins, dyestuffs and water-proofing agents. Hence, greater understanding of the basic processes involved is a prerequisite for rationalisation and improvement in the technological operations of curing and tanning. In this review, the mechanism of polar interaction indicated in fundamental studies is outlined and some areas of practical application discussed, including the use of polar additives as penetration assistants in vegetable tannage and the application of polar molecules carrying longchain hydrocarbon structures in waterproofing treatments for leather.