Abstract

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a very useful tool to research the hydrothermal stability of collagen which has also been defined in the leather industry as denaturation temperature (Td). It has been widely used to describe the tanning power of materials, according to changes of Td. In this paper, changes in hydrothermal stability of collagen with several catechin-metal compounds were described using DSC curves. The Td results lead us to conclude that the hydrothermal stability of collagen can be improved by compounds formed with catechin and metal ions (Cr(III), Al(III) and Cu(II)).

The more stable the compound, the higher the Td of collagen tanned with the compound ie.the stronger the tanning power of the compound and the higher the hydrothermal stability of collagen.