Mm. Taylor et al., FUNCTIONAL-PROPERTIES OF HYDROLYSIS PRODUCTS FROM COLLAGEN, The Journal of the American Leather Chemists Association, 93(2), 1998, pp. 40-50
A gelable protein is isolated during the aqueous magnesium oxide treat
ment of chromium-containing solid leather waste. For this process to b
e cost effective, markets have to be identified for these gelatin-like
protein products. Technical grade gelatins have many uses, such as in
the preparation of adhesives, cosmetics, paints, encapsulating agents
, flocculating agents and fireproofing agents. In order to demonstrate
that our products compare to technical grade gelatins, the functional
properties of the gelable protein were examined; a commercial gelatin
product was used as a reference. In a previous study we demonstrated
that the gelable protein products isolated from the alkali treatment o
f chrome shavings had adhesive properties comparable to commercial pro
ducts. In this present study, ability to form a gel, foamability, capa
city to form emulsions, and oil and water absorption properties are ex
amined. A description of methodology to evaluate the properties is rep
orted. The data show that the functional properties of the magnesium o
xide extracted gels are comparable to, and sometimes superior to, tech
nical grade gelatins.