The improvement of dispersity, thermal stability and mechanical properties of collagen fibers by silane modification: an exploration for developing new leather making technology

Abstract The effect of hydrophobic modification on the performances collagen fibers (CFs) was investigated by using silane coupling agents with different alkyl chains as modifiers. It found could be easily grafted onto CF surface through covalent bonds under 5% water content. This led to transformation wettability from hydrophilic hydrophobic. Interestingly, change resulted in substantial improvement modified properties, presenting well dispersity fibers, higher thermal stability and enhanced mechanical properties comparison natural CF. degree mainly depended length chain silane. Longer produced strong hydrophobicity subsequently more superior When increased 18 carbon atoms, possessed durable superhydrophobicity even exposed aqueous solutions pH, UV, organic solvents, had excellent like leather fibers. In general, this work clearly revealed that are closely positively related hydrophobicity, which is suggestive developing new making technology. Graphical