The properties of gels of collagenous hydrolysates from enzyme treatment of
chrome-tanned leather waste, were monitored with the use of the DSC techni
que. The temperatures at which gels melt, the energies of the gel-sol trans
itions (determined by use of the DSC technique) and the gel strength (in de
grees Bloom) correspond to those of gels of the qualitative class 9-10, as
specified by the National Association of Clue Manufacturers. Due to the low
er mean molecular weight of the hydrolysates (when compared with commercial
ly available glues) and the wider molecular weight distribution, hydrolysed
gels from enzyme hydrolysates (hydrolysis times less than 3 h) are used at
concentrations approximately three times higher than is usual with commerc
ially available glues of the above-mentioned quality.
Glues of this qualitative class are often used in industry in concentration
s of 50% and higher and thus the higher concentration of hydrolysates from
chrome-tanned leather waste will not represent an obstacle when they are us
ed in a similar way.