Abstract

During hide wet processing, partial hydrolysis of polypeptide bonds generates free carboxylic and amino groups. Experiments in both static and dynamic conditions point out the appearance of significant ionexchange properties. A method for leather ion-exchange capacity measurement is presented. The values obtained—about 20 mval/(g.dry substance) for cation exchange and 062 mval/(g.dry substance) for anion exchange—compare well with the ones for other natural and synthetic ion exchangers.