Polyethylene-Collagen Hydrolizate Thermoplastic Blends: Thermal and Mechanical Properties

Collagen, a natural macromolecular protein from renewable resources, is widely used in many industrial applications. Mixtures of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with collagen hydrolizate derived from the tannery industry were investigated to assess the feasibility of producing polymeric materials suitable for production of thermoplastic items for applications in packaging and agricultural segments. Different grades of polyethylenes and collagen hydrolizates characterized by different molecular weight and salinity were investigated to develop optimal blends. The physical-chemical properties of the obtained blends were assessed by thermal-mechanical, spectroscopical analysis. Following the ongoing research activity, the reutilization of collagen hydrolizate derived from the leather industry for the production of environmental degradable polyethylene-based thermoplastic films appears feasible and promising. Blends of collagen hydrolizate and LDPE up to 20-30 wt % of collagen hydrolizate allow obtaining slightly opaque, cohesive and flexible films that show satisfactory thermal-mechanical responses. (C) 2009 Wiley Penodicals, Inc J Appl Polym Sci 114: 3827-3834, 2009