ARS | Publication request: PHYSICAL PROPERTY STUDIES FOR A COLLAGEN MATERIAL: LEATHER TREATED WITH TOCOPHEROL

Submitted to: Proc American Chemical Soc Div Of Polymeric Materials Science & Engineering
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: June 25, 2003
Publication Date: September 9, 2003
Citation: LIU, C., LATONA, N.P. PHYSICAL PROPERTY STUDIES FOR A COLLAGEN MATERIAL: LEATHER TREATED WITH TOCOPHEROL. PROC AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOC DIV OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. 2003. V. 89. P. 226-227.

Technical Abstract: Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and its derivatives alpha-tocopheryl succinate and alpha-tocopheryl acetate are potent free radical scavengers and highly protective agents for collagen fibers against UV damage. Efforts were made to develop a process treatment that produces minimum effluents (i.e., environmentally friendly) and yet significantly increases the UV- and heat resistance of a fibrous collagen material: leather. Tocopherol and its derivatives were applied to the grain layer of leather. The treated samples were exposed in a Fadeometer and then evaluated for the efficacy of UV- and heat resistance and by Instron testing for mechanical properties (tensile strength and initial strain energy). Observation showed that tocopherol yielded the most promising results compared to its derivatives. Data showed that leather treated with tocopherol resulted in significant improvement in tensile strength and softness and, more importantly, increased strength retention and color fading resistance against UV radiation and heat.