Abstract

The influences of drying methods on the thermal stability of leather were investigated. The results show that drying methods have an obvious effect on the water content and hydrogen bonds between collagen fibres. The water content of leather after freeze drying is less than that after air drying. The collagen fibres after air drying combine more tightly than after freeze drying. Concerning stronger hydrogen bonds between collagen fibres, the thermal stability of air-dried leather is better than that of freeze-dried leather.