Abstract

Hydrolysates of chrome-tanned leather waste from tanning manufacture react with glutaraldehyde to produce thermo-reversible or thermo-irreversible gels. The rigidity of the thermo-reversible gels is limited to values around 100g-1 (º Bloom) (as determined by the standard procedure). The conditions for the formation of such gels were optimised. Gels attaining higher rigidity lose the property of thermo-reversibility, however they continue to swell infinitely in water even though their swelling is slower. Thermo-reversible gels can be employed as glues, thermo-irreversible gels are applicable in currently widespread encapsulation techniques. Expanding the possibilities for industrial applications of such products may improve the economic balance of disposal of solid chrome-tanned leather wastes from tanning in an environmentally feasible manner, which is a serious problem when introducing “clean” leather-manufacturing technology into current practice.