Abstract

A transamidification reaction was utilised to get low molecular weight peptides from waste skin trimmings and the transamidified peptides were subsequently treated with adipic acid and neutralised with aqueous ammonia which resulted in alkylamide polypeptides. The results of JR spectroscopy indicated that N-alkylamide polypeptides were actually formed. The thermogravimetric analysis has been done and it has been found that the transamidified protein is more stable than casein. The mechanical properties of the film formed using the transamidified polypeptides indicated that it possesses superior properties to those of casein film. The transamidified polypeptide film also has greater elongation than that of casein film. The physical properties of leathers finished with transamidified polypeptides are comparable with those finished with casein and both are satisfactory. However, the wet rub fastness of leathers finished with transamidified polypeptide is slightly inferior to that of casein finished leathers.