Abstract

The low hydrothermal stability of raw collagen limits its usage. In order to improve the hydrothermal stability of collagen, two materials, each with weak tanning power were used in leather-making. Research proved that a synergistic effect occurred during the leather making process. In this paper, by applying UV, FT-IR, 13CNMR spectra and elemental analysis to the single salicylic acid and salicylic-metal compounds, the structural formulae of the compounds were determined and the hide powder was then treated with the three kinds of compounds. Finally, the treated hide powder was tested by DSC, it is presumed that Tanning Matrix formed among the collagen fibrils increases the hydrothermal stability of raw collagen. The result indicated that salicylic acidchrome with a larger stability constant was better than the others in improving the heat resistance of raw collagen. The denaturation temperature of hide powder treated with salicylic-chrome was 146.7°C. The second most effective was salicylic-aluminum,when the temperature was 145.7°C.