Novel biodegradable polymer from bovine limed hide gelatin

Tanneries generate waste from limed bovine hide as shavings and scrapings, which are a source of collagen. Gelatin is obtained through the thermal degradation of collagen and is a potential natural resource for obtaining biodegradable polymers. This study aimed to develop a biodegradable polymer from wastes generated in the leather production process. The methodology consisted of obtaining gelatin from limed hide by thermal extraction with citric acid pre-treatment, producing biodegradable films. The gelatins and films were characterized for chemical structural composition (FTIR), thermal properties (TGA), and morphological characteristics (SEM). The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of amides A, B, I, II, and III in the extracted gelatin. Thermal analysis showed increased thermal stability in the gelatin film derived from limed hide waste compared to commercial one, with an initial temperature of decomposition (Tonset) up to 305 °C, with a mass loss of 37.1% for the obtained gelatin film, while commercial gelatin film had a Tonset of 274 °C and mass loss of 56.3%. SEM analysis revealed smooth and homogeneous surfaces and cross-sections in the films. These findings demonstrate that gelatin obtained from limed hides using citric acid is a promising material for biodegradable film production.