THE DIELECTRIC-RELAXATION TIME OF COLLAGEN OVER A WIDE TEMPERATURE-RANGE

The dielectric properties of collagen were measured at two hydration l evels over a frequency range of 10(1)-10(5) Hz and at temperatures fro m 298-470 K. In the low-frequency range, dielectric dispersion was obs erved which results from Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars polarization. The rela xation times for a collagen sample containing loosely bound water were shorter than for a collagen sample containing only structural water i n the temperature range 298-390 K. Above 390 K, continuous decrease in the relaxation times was observed for both samples.