Polypropylene/collagen hydrolysate thermoplastics blends: a waste of the leather industry as a resource to produce innovative materials

Polypropylene-based composites are prepared using collagen hydrolysate from waste of the leather industry. Blends of polypropylene and collagen hydrolysates were studied as a function of the blend composition ratio with the aim of developing a formulation with optimal physical-chemical and mechanical properties. The prepared mixtures were characterized by thermal analyses and mechanical test. Blends with content up to of 20-30% of collagen hydrolysate are susceptible to be melt processed to provide transparent, cohesive and flexible films. In front of positive results the reutilization of collagen hydrolysate derived from the tannery industry appears feasible for production of thermoplastic items for applicantions in packaging and agricultural segments.