Studies on the tanning reactions of zeolite

This is a study of the interaction of collagen and species derived from the break down of zeolite. In particular, the study focuses on three main poin ts: (i) the breaking-down of the zeolite as a function of the type and amount o f acid (ii) the tanning chemical reaction. (iii) the partitioning of the tanning reagent derived from zeolite breakdow n between the aqueous solution and the substrate, as a function of the mask ing agent. Aluminosilicate breakdown was studied when [H+]:[ Al3+] = 1 to 4. The alumi nosilicate oligomer to [Al(H2O)(6)](3+) molar ratio in solution was found t o be a function of the [H+]:[Al3+] ratio. The tanning reaction was studied as a function of the oligomer to [Al(H2O)(6)](3+) ratio, with and without t he addition of masking agents, applied to untanned hide powder and mimosa-t anned pelt. Tanning effects were obtained only when [H+]:[Al3+] = 1 or 2 in the presence of maleic or phthalic acid as masking agent. The partitioning of the tanning reagent between the solution and the substr ate, which is dependent upon the thermodynamics of the solvating interactio n between reagent and solvent, has been demonstrated to be a fundamental fa ctor in the stabilisation of the collagen, contributing to the overall tann ing reaction. This is a general effect for all reactions involving binding of a solute to a substrate.