Abstract

The denaturation and breakdown of hide collagen by heating in air were investigated by means of chemical and spectral analyses. From weight loss, solubility, infrared spectra, and H-D exchange, it is suggested that collagen denatures gradually on heating at 130-160°C; that it denatures markedly during the initial period of heating at around 180°C, and then breaks down gradually; and that it starts to break down immediately on heating at 200°C or more.