Green solvents,such as propylene carbonate(PC),can be used in leather processing to improve the efficiency of chrome tanning and reduce wastewater.Here we report a combined small-angle X-ray scattering(SAXS)and differ...Green solvents,such as propylene carbonate(PC),can be used in leather processing to improve the efficiency of chrome tanning and reduce wastewater.Here we report a combined small-angle X-ray scattering(SAXS)and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)study on PC and its efficacy as a carrier medium during chrome tanning.SAXS analysis on the collagen structure of chrome tanned leather using PC,compared to conventionally tanned leather using water,showed an increase in Cr uptake in addition to the more uniform penetration of Cr through the leather cross-section.The increased binding of Cr to the collagen matrix drives the decreased hydration environment of the collagen triple helix.Furthermore,DSC studies show a uniform hydrothermal stability for the PC samples due to the more even distribution of Cr through the collagen matrix.Understanding the mechanisms by which chrome tanning occurs in non-aqueous solvents can guide us towards a more sustainable future for the leather industry.展开更多
基金funded by the Ministry of Business,Innovation and Employment(MBIE)through grant LSRX-1801funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology Taiwan(MOST).
文摘Green solvents,such as propylene carbonate(PC),can be used in leather processing to improve the efficiency of chrome tanning and reduce wastewater.Here we report a combined small-angle X-ray scattering(SAXS)and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)study on PC and its efficacy as a carrier medium during chrome tanning.SAXS analysis on the collagen structure of chrome tanned leather using PC,compared to conventionally tanned leather using water,showed an increase in Cr uptake in addition to the more uniform penetration of Cr through the leather cross-section.The increased binding of Cr to the collagen matrix drives the decreased hydration environment of the collagen triple helix.Furthermore,DSC studies show a uniform hydrothermal stability for the PC samples due to the more even distribution of Cr through the collagen matrix.Understanding the mechanisms by which chrome tanning occurs in non-aqueous solvents can guide us towards a more sustainable future for the leather industry.