Effect of the conformation of gelatin macromolecules on mechanical properties of gels and films

Abstract

Studies were made of physical and mechanical properties of gelatin gels and films obtained from mixtures of water and ethylenechlorohydrin (ECH) and DMSO. With an increase in the concentration of ECH the strength of gels and high impact properties of films decrease within the range of the glassy state of gelatin. Concentration relations of these properties of gels and films, obtained from mixtures of water and DMSO are extremal with a maximum content of 50%. High impact properties of gelatin films obtained from dilute organic solutions of different compositions depend on water vapour pressure of the surrounding atmosphere. Experimental results are discussed on the basis of conformation changes of gelatin macromolecules and the physical state of the polymer and the phase condition of the systems.