ARS | Publication request: Physical properties of collagen fibrous networks derived from bovine hides

Submitted to: Proceedings of American Chemical Society National Meeting
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: April 1, 2012
Publication Date: July 1, 2012
Citation: Liu, C., Latona, N.P. 2012. Physical properties of collagen fibrous networks derived from bovine hides. In: Proceedings of American Chemical Society, Division of Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering. August 16-19, 2012, Philadelphia, PA. 107:652-653.

Technical Abstract: The hides and leather industry has been facing a serious challenge in the disposal of solid wastes such as trimmings and lime-splits. One strategy to solve this problem is to convert these wastes into useful fibrous products and green composites. Therefore research is needed to investigate the preparation of fibrous materials having adequate mechanical properties and optimal degree of fiber separation from waste hides. In this study, collagen fiber networks were obtained from split bovine hides after the bating step. Five dehydration methods were investigated and observation showed solvent- and freeze- drying yielded the lowest apparent density indicating a higher degree of separation in the fibrous networks that will be favorable for further processing into useful products. Mechanical testing showed the lower apparent density led to lower tensile strength, greater elongation at break, lower Young’s modulus, and higher toughness. The results of this research will be useful for the production of high quality fibrous products and green composites.