Zeolites as Sustainable Alternatives to Traditional Tanning Chemistries

This dataset investigates the binding interactions and mechanism between modified zeolites and animal hide collagen. The dataset includes Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to investigate the changes in zeolite structure during application to animal hides. Al(27) Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) probes the aluminium environment from within a collagen matrix. Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICPOES) probes the aluminium and silicon concentrations within leather. Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) analysis to account for the binding interactions and mechanism from a unique perspective. The effect of this binding interaction is then characterised via hydrothermal stability by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), changes in isoelectric point (IEP) and dimensional stability (SEM imaging). .The impact of this novel approach to tanning hides and skins is considered from an environmental perspective where pollution loadings are compared industrial best practice.